Manchester United need a world-class defender – so buckle your seatbelts, it’s January and we’re about to be linked with every single defender on planet earth.
Some stories may have truth in them but we can only wait and see. It’s a waiting game and there’s nothing concrete to suggest United will get business done in the January transfer window.
Roma’s experienced Greek centre-back Kostas Manolas is the latest name to do the rounds, with Tutto Mercato Web reporting that United are keen to steal the march for the player’s signature by activating his release clause.
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That clause is valued at £34 million, according to The Mirror, who also suggest Arsenal and Chelsea have been tracking the defender.
Aged 27, the Roma defender has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Italy.
Manolas has made nearly 200 appearances and should be at the peak of his career. By the sound of things, he would be a better option than Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
That leaves us with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, with the former surpassing the Ivory Coast international with solid displays this season but not enough to sure everything up at the back.
United have also been linked with moves for Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderwerield, with The Express claiming the Belgian could be set for a £25 million summer transfer.
But with his reported release clause, Manolas may represent better value than Alderweireld or the rest of United’s transfer targets.
Time will tell.
