Manchester United Add AC Milan Defender Cristian Zapata to Summer Wish List

Manchester United have reportedly re-kindled their interest in signing AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata in the summer transfer window, according to the Express.

The 27-year-old has been on the radar of the Old Trafford club as their former manager David Moyes was keen on landing him in January. However, no deal took shape as Zapata continued with his current employers.

United allowed their central defending duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to leave the club as free agents. The Serbian centre-back has already reached a pre-contract agreement with Inter Milan, while the former England international was released by the club after their last game of the season against Southampton.

The Red Devils' incoming manager Louis van Gaal wanted Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels to strengthen United's central defending position. However, the defender's agent has played down recent rumours linking the German international to Old Trafford.

With United set to miss out of signing Hummels, they are eyeing to land Zapata. The Colombian international is high on their wish list and they are trying to convince him to leave the Italian outfit in the coming transfer window.

Zapata had a good start to the 2013/14 season, despite Milan's poor performance. After Clarence Seedorf was appointed as their manager in January, the centre-back has seen his appearances being limited.

The Colombian defender has made 20 league starts, out of which only three of them came under Seedorf's guidance. Zapata is believed to be frustrated with the lack of playing time at Milan and is weighing his options.

The Express believes Zapata could be in the list of players heading for the San Siro exit. United could try to take advantage of the situation and try to lure him to join them. However, he is currently with the national side preparing for the World Cup.

Any move from United for Zapata's signature will see them wait until the completion of Colombia's campaign in the summer event.

His contract at Milan runs down in 2016 and when asked in January about the Red Devils' interest in January, the defender admitted that he was happy to continue in the Serie A.

"I do not know anything. I am just thinking about Milan. I have a contract until 2016 and I want to stay here," Zapata said.