Manchester United are planning a transfer trip on Saturday to scout a £26 million versatile defender following concerns amid the Frenchman’s contract.
Manchester United’s recent spending has heavily prioritised their attacking department, although this could be set to change soon with the Reds potentially eyeing a new defensive acquisition.
Having spent around £200 million on a new-look attack, the time may be upon the Reds to bolster their backline, especially considering the fact that Harry Maguire’s future is still up in the air.
United have looked far better on all fronts under the management of Michael Carrick, which has almost definitely been helped by the resurgence of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, who both seem to have put their injury woes behind them.
Despite this recent improvement, United look likely to sign a new member for their backline when the summer transfer window rolls around, with a £26million option now emerging.
United scouting Kalulu
In January, Sport Witness reported that United had grown interested in the services of Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu, who has a price tag in the region of £26 million.
It was also stated that Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were potential suitors for the French defender, although the Reds have recently shown interest.
It is expected that United will send two officials this weekend to scout the versatile defender during the Old Lady’s game against Inter Milan.
The 25-year-old’s future is uncertain, with his contract set to expire in June 2029, as the Frenchman expects a significant wage hike.
Could Kalulu be a smart signing?
Given the current injury to Matthijs De Ligt, as well as the uncertainty surrounding Maguire’s future, an experienced defensive signing could be much needed for the Reds this summer.
If United are to prioritise the majority of their budget in acquiring a new holding midfielder to replace Casemiro, then a cheaper option such as Kalulu could be a fairly risk-averse option.
Not only for this reason, but also, Kalulu would allow for defensive depth across the entire back-line, given that he is very experienced playing both centrally and as a full-back.
Whether United step up their interest in the Frenchman or not remains to be known, but as far as versatile, risk-averse signings go, there may not be many better alternatives.
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