Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a £32 million bargain move to sign AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas in the January transfer window.
According to a report by The Sun, Kostas Manolas has emerged as the latest world class defender to be linked with Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window. The AS Roma superstar could be available for a bargain deal, with his release clause valued at a meager £32 million.
Manchester United’s pursuit of a centre-back just does not seem to end. Jose Mourinho was desperate to bolster the heart of his side’s defence in the summer transfer window, with a number of central defenders heavily linked with the Premier League heavyweights.
But, a move ultimately failed to materialise, which has backfired to a great extent for the Red Devils. But, having learned their lesson, the Manchester United board is reportedly ready to back Mourinho with the required funds to sign a centre-back in the January transfer window.
To that end, a number of central defenders have been named as targets for the Premier League bigwigs. And, the latest player to be linked with Manchester United is Kostas Manolas.
Manolas has progressed leaps and bounds since joining AS Roma in the summer of 2014. Over the last four years or so, the player’s development has been quite remarkable, so much so that he is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs on show in Italian football.
His progress at Stadio Olimpico has not gone unnoticed, with a number of top clubs registering their interest in him in recent transfer windows. But, heading into the turn of the year, and reopening of the transfer market, Manchester United seem to be the only prominent club in pursuit of the world-class Greek centre-back.
What makes Manolas a particularly appealing target is his release clause, which is valued at just £32 million. Going by the escalating valuations in the transfer market these days, the figure represents a bargain for any suitor, including Manchester United, who have been somewhat hesitant in shelling the premium for a player lately.
That the player’s future is out of the hands of AS Roma, who have been unwilling to part ways with their prized asset, also gives Manchester United the license to launch the offensive for the 27-year-old, who will be able to offer them the best years of his career.
To take the bargain release clause out of the equation, Roma have been eager to tie Manolas down to a new deal. But, there has been little development on the renewal front, which does provide his suitors an advantage, should they launch the offensive for him.
As things stand, Manchester United stand in good stead to secure the services of Kostas Manolas in the January transfer window, although they have to fend off interest from Juventus. It now remains to be seen if the 27-year-old world-class defender ends up making his way to Old Trafford.
