The defender, born in Argentina but an Italy international, made his debut for his adopted country against Spain on Wednesday night.
He made only a handful of appearances for Liverpool in the 2006-07 season before moving to Boca Juniors and he has since moved to Parma.
United have watched him over the past year and believe the 28-year-old could fill the void left by the departing Nemanja Vidic.
David Moyes is eager to sign a centre-back in the summer and it is understood that Paletta is open to a return to England.
The troubled United manager is also on the trail of Freiburg’s Matthias Ginter.
Written by Steve Milne