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Manchester United have reportedly been given a fresh opportunity to sign Luka Vuskovic, as uncertainty grows around the 19-year-old defender’s future with Tottenham Hotspur.

Vuskovic joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in 2023 for a reported £12 million deal, though he was only eligible to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer.

The 6’4 centre-back joined then-manager Thomas Frank’s pre-season squad, with plans for him to act as a backup to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. However, the Croatian international – who is expected to play a key role for his country at the upcoming World Cup – wanted more guaranteed playing time, leading him to request a loan move late in the transfer window.

He subsequently secured a season-long loan to German side Hamburger SV, a move that has proven highly successful. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Vuskovic has enjoyed a standout campaign at the Volksparkstadion and was named in the EA Sports Bundesliga Team of the Year for his impressive performances.

One scout described him as one of Europe’s “most dominant young defenders,” praising his combination of physical presence, strength, and surprising pace. His aerial ability has been backed by six goals this season, and he has shown composure in ground duels. He also demonstrates strong ball-playing qualities, with “vision to identify progressive options” and the capability to deliver line-breaking passes — traits highly valued in modern defenders.

Tottenham’s initial plan was to bring Vuskovic back to north London to compete for a first-team place. With both Romero and Van de Ven linked with potential exits, Manchester United have reportedly looked into possible deals for the pair.

The Croatian youngster seems an ideal successor, already showcasing a skillset that could see him surpass his senior teammates in the long run. However, new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge in March and helped Spurs avoid relegation on the final day, is believed to prefer more experienced defenders in his lineup.

As a result, Tottenham are close to signing 29-year-old Marcos Senesi from AFC Bournemouth and 32-year-old Andy Robertson from Liverpool on free transfers. Senesi had also been considered by Manchester United, though Harry Maguire’s contract renewal has shifted their focus toward younger targets like Vuskovic.

De Zerbi’s rebuild continues, with a £40 million offer reportedly made for Brighton’s Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Should Tottenham secure that deal, they would have four experienced centre-backs in or nearing their prime, leaving little room for Vuskovic to break through.

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Vuskovic is “open to leaving” this summer, a development that has alerted Bayern Munich and several “top Premier League clubs.”

Translated statement: “Luka Vuskovic would be open to leaving Tottenham this summer. Bayern Munich and other top Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his profile with interest and have made initial contact for details on a possible deal. Preliminary stages.”

Although the Italian journalist did not name specific English clubs, Manchester United’s interest is well-known. INEOS, the club’s ownership group, continues to prioritise signing promising young talent from around the world.

While a new centre-back isn’t an immediate priority for manager Michael Carrick, injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, combined with the age of Maguire, have left United considering long-term options in defence.

United are believed to be monitoring the market for a successor to the 33-year-old Englishman, and Vuskovic — a commanding 6’4 defender with a strong aerial presence — fits that profile perfectly.