Man United prepare €150million bid for Koulibaly, meet with Sancho's representatives over move

Aditya Devavrat 12:37 23/03/2019
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  • Manchester United are readying a massive €150million bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.

    The 27-year-old has been a long-term target for United, who have been looking to add at least one centre-back since last summer.

    Though the emergence of Victor Lindelof, who was recruited in summer 2017, this season has been a positive for United, the club are aware that they need another player in the position as they look to rebuild their squad into one that can challenge for major honours.

    Koulibaly has been at or near the top of United’s shortlist of centre-back targets for most of this term, with speculation that a move could happen in the January window itself.

    Though that never materialised, it seems the Red Devils are zeroing on the France-born Senegal star for the summer, after watching his progress in Serie A where he’s established himself as one of the league’s best defenders – and caught the eye of clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.

    A potential Koulibaly to United move has been likened to Liverpool‘s signing of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton last winter, with the Dutchman transforming the Reds’ defence instantly and spearheading their title charge this season.

    United are hopeful that signing Koulibaly will have a similar effect, though they are aware that there are other areas of the squad that need strengthening.

    In a separate report, The Sun claim United have already met with representatives of England international Jadon Sancho, who has enjoyed a stellar season for Borussia Dortmund.

    The Manchester City academy product has nine goals and 13 assists for Dortmund this season as they bid to win a first Bundesliga title since 2012, and on Friday played in his first competitive game for England, providing an assist in the Three Lions’ 5-0 win over Czech Republic in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.

    He would slot into the right-wing berth at United, which has been a problem position for several years as various signings have failed to have an impact.

    According to The Sun, Sancho, who joined the German club in 2017, is valued at £70million, though a potential transfer fee has been quoted as £80million and even over £100million in the media while Dortmund have publicly said they are not planning to sell the 18-year-old.

    However, given the attention his performances have gotten, Sancho could well be on the move as United will reportedly have to battle it out with Paris Saint-Germain for the youngster’s signature.

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