Manchester United Target Summer Move for Espanyol defender Hector Moreno

Manchester United are considering a move in signing Espanyol defender Hector Moreno in the summer transfer window, according to the Express.

The 26-year-old joined the Spanish club from AZ Alkmaar in 2011 and since then has been a regular inclusion in Espanyol's starting lineup, making over 30 appearances in the last three campaigns.

The Red Devils have allowed Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, their two central defenders, to leave the club as free agents. The Serbian centre-back will join Inter Milan next season and the former England international was informed that he has no future at Old Trafford after their last game of the season against Southampton.

The report claims United's incoming manager Louis van Gaal is eyeing to bring in a new central defender and the Old Trafford outfit have set their sights on the Mexican international.

Moreno has already expressed his intent to leave his current employers after the player's agent revealed the defender will leave Espanyol for a big club in the coming transfer window.

"Moreno is leaving Espanyol. He wants to leave and we're looking for another team in Europe," the Express quoted Moreno's agent as saying.

The Mexican centre-back has already played under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, during his time at the Dutch side AZ. The Express reports claim Moreno would be eyeing a re-union with Van Gaal at Old Trafford next season.

Meanwhile, United could face competition from Inter Milan in signing the Espanyol centre-half. The Italian side will already have Vidic as one of their central defenders and are eyeing to sign Moreno to partner the 32-year-old to form an incredible pair in the heart of their defence.

United legend Gary Neville believes allowing Ferdinand and Vidic to leave the club at the same time is a "bid risk."

"I think it's a big risk losing Vidic and Rio at the same time. There are young centre backs coming through, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling," Neville told the Manchester Evening News.

"And I think if we're signing a new centre-back coming from a different country who hasn't played here before, the idea of having a stalwart there would help. I think it's a risk. But we'll see how that pans out."