Rumors are out that English Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City are set to fight for the services of West Ham United center back Angelo Ogbonna this summer as both squads try to improve their defensive line depth for next season.

The Red Devils had been struggling all throughout this season on their defensive game especially after losing 20-year-old Luke Shaw to a horrific season-ending injury during their Champions League group stage opening match against PSV Eindhoven in September of last year.

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Louis van Gaal's summer signing of Matteo Darmian from Torino have also underwhelmed the manager and so the Dutchman is said to be looking to improve the team's defensive lineup while he is still the team's head coach as there are also speculations that former Chelsea manager Louis Mourinho, who won the EPL title last year with the Blues, is set to take over at the Old Trafford at season's end.

United is currently at fifth place in the league table and is in danger of missing the Champions League altogether next season.

Meanwhile, City is also having problems about their defense as the team has allowed 31 goals to be scored on them in 27 games, something that does not fit well with championship squads.

The team has led the league during almost the entire first half of the season but has now relegated into fourth place in the league table. Their main issue was primarily defense and so current head coach Manuel Pellegrini may also be looking at it.

Similar to United's situation, Pellegrini is reportedly set to be replaced by current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola in the summer.

The Sun indicated that Ogbonna is wanted by the Red Devils and City "to boost their defense this summer" as both teams are having problems "at the back this season and the impressive performances from the Italy international has caught the eye".

The 27-year-old Cassino, Italy native has started for West Ham 17 times this season and has been a key player in nine clean sheets pulled off by the Hammers so far, as per Caught Offside.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Manchester United, Manchester City, West Ham United FC, Angelo Ogbonna