'Discussions begin' as Man United target bargain French international from Juventus
Man United are reportedly interested in signing a Juventus centre-back ahead of the summer.
Man United didn’t make any major signings in January, which may have come as a surprise considering they are in a battle to earn Champions League football. Michael Carrick’s side is currently fourth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Chelsea in fifth.
However, with all the uncertainty around the manager position, United didn’t want to invest in long-term targets if they couldn’t guarantee who their manager would be next season.
Whether it is Carrick or someone else, they will be looking at improving in several key areas, and it is understood that centre-back is a position of concern. With Harry Maguire’s contract due to expire in June, United are looking around for future replacements.
Man United target £24m Juventus star
With Maguire potentially leaving in the summer, Man United will be keen to bring in a centre-back with experience internationally and in the Champions League to help replace the English defender.
One name that has emerged from reports in Italy is Juventus star Pierre Kalulu, who has also become more of a regular for the France national team ahead of the World Cup in the summer. Italian outlet TuttoSport claim that Man United are one of several Premier League clubs keen on Kalulu. The report says that discussions have begun for Juventus to extend his contract as they want to keep hold of him, but United remain interested regardless.
The 25-year-old has made 34 appearances for Juventus this season, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He has also made four appearances for the French national team. Kalulu has an estimated market value of around £24m, which, for a French international with experience in the Champions League, is an absolute bargain.
Seeing as Juventus are keen to extend his contract, they likely won’t allow him to leave for cheap, but even so, Kalulu could be a really shrewd signing by Manchester United in the summer.
Man United ‘increasingly likely’ to keep Maguire
For all the interest in Kalulu, Man United remain keen to keep hold of Harry Maguire, especially seeing as they will need some experience at the club with a new manager heading into the fray in the summer, unless they appoint Carrick permanently.
It is understood that Chelsea and Everton are both keen to sign Maguire if he becomes a free agent in the summer, but reports have said that Man United are ‘increasingly likely’ to sign Maguire on a contract extension for next season.
He is currently on a wage of £180,000 per week, so would potentially need to take a pay cut, but it is understood that Maguire is keen to remain at the club, especially if he keeps getting more regular game time.
Since Carrick came in, Maguire has been a regular starter at centre-back, and could be a useful veteran presence, heading into next season, either with Carrick in charge, or with a new manager beyond the World Cup. His recent performances have also put him into consideration for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup too.