Manchester United eye Ligue 1 right-back as potential Aaron Wan-Bissaka replacement

Ivory Coast's defender #05 Wilfried Singo (L) fights for the ball with DR Congo's forward #20 Yoane Wissa during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Ivory Coast and Democratic Repuplic of Congo at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Sia KAMBOU / AFP)

AS Monaco right-back Wilfried Singo has emerged as a target for Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Spanish publication Fichajes, United are monitoring Wilfried Singo as a potential option at right-back if the Reds feel they need to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

It helps United that INEOS, who are set to takeover football operations at the club, also own OGC Nice in France and know the market there better than most.

Singo has impressed in Ligue 1 this season and is renowned for his versatility in defence as well as his ability to score and create opportunities in front of goal.

The Ivory Coast international has made 15 appearances since his summer switch from Torino to Monaco. In those games, Singo has scored once and helped keep six clean sheets, and he will be playing a role in today’s AFCON final against Nigeria too.

However, a lot will be written about players during this stage of the season and nobody knows how much they’re currently valued in the transfer market. One useful source [Transfermarkt] suggests Singo has an €18m valuation.

Some reports suggest United may even use Wan-Bissaka as makeweight in a deal to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, as per the Daily Star. The only worry with Olise is the injuries he keeps suffering this season.

Furthermore, United missed out on one of their right-back options in January when Sacha Boey left Galatasaray to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. The options are lessening.

Wan-Bissaka injured

I would argue that Diogo Dalot is United’s first choice right-back as things stand.

It helps the Portuguese full-back that Wan-Bissaka has suffered yet another injury setback and will miss this weekend’s game against Aston Villa. The former FC Porto ace is more likely to have a future at Old Trafford than his teammate.

While United have triggered the one-year extension option in Wan-Bissaka’s current deal, we do not expect any long-term talks to take place between now and the end of the season. That is why I think it makes sense that we are now being linked with right-backs including Singo.

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