Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on improving his defensive options in the summer.
On the back of solid defensive performances in the league, conceding just 36 goals in the campaign, Manchester United are keen to further tighten up at the back by adding competition for Victor Lindelof to appear alongside Harry Maguire. High hopes are placed on Axel Tuanzebe but he has suffered from constant injury setbacks.
Among the central-halves shortlisted, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has envisaged an aggressive left-footed defender as a perfect fit in United’s current system. Somebody who is composed on the ball and aggressive without it.
"We need a left-footed centre back, so keep going."
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 30, 2020
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might not be happy that Nathan Ake is on his way to the blue side of Manchester 👀#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/UKpPvoEbBp
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United’s scouring began with Nathan Ake, who was courted by the manager himself. But, the interest was shortlived as the Dutch international is close to joining cross-town rivals Manchester City.
The Old Trafford bosses, taking notes, have pushed ahead with the deal for Lille’s Gabrial Magalhaes in a potential 30 million Euro deal. But, Man United would have to fend off Everton to lure the Brazilian defender to Salford, which is expected to be decided in a few days.
In addition to Gabriel, Manchester United have been working on a deal with AS Monaco for Benoit Badiashile, termed as the ‘next Raphael Varane’. The 19-year-old has been on one of the long-term targets for the Red Devils, garnering scouting reports since 2017.
However, Man United faced stiff competition with Real Madrid who has earned admiration from current manager Zinedine Zidane, reports AS. But, there has been no concrete interest expressed from Real Madrid who already has an upcoming talent in Eder Militao.
Sport Witness have suggested that Manchester United have made a firm offer for Badiashile and the terms of which are unknown, yet. Testing the waters, Bayer Leverkusen placed a £15 million bid for the 19-year-old defender, but of no consequence.
"Manchester United have been tracking Badiashile for a number of years and are ‘already in talks with Monaco’ and Real Madrid, who have recently approached the defender’s entourage.Leverkusen recently put forward a €15m offer to test the waters, which was immediately dismissed by AS Monaco. (Sport Witness)"
Currently, the ball lies completely in Manchester United’s court for the player who aligns with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s vision of developing youth prospects and providing them with a platform to realise their potential.