Tutto Mercato Web reports that Manchester United have taken a significant interest in AS Roma’s Kostas Manolas.
With a spree of centre-backs getting linked with the Red Devils, the 27-year-old Greek ace certainly is at the very top of United’s scouting list. He has 39 caps and a single goal to his name for his country’s senior team and 5 for the U21s.
Over the past few seasons, Manolas has established himself as a leading defensive figure in the Serie A and is close to making his 200th appearance for Roma. This season he has appeared in 21 games and contributed with 2 goals and 1 assist across all competitions.
The former Olympiakos defender could be an answer to United’s obvious defensive issues. Jose Mourinho had already failed to stabilise the vulnerable backline and his replacement, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to be tested against formidable sides.
United picked up two wins against Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town since the introduction of Solskjaer as caretaker boss but are far from perfect. Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones do not command the same presence as Manolas does at the heart of Roma’s defence.
Eric Baily is not a lost case yet and his form can be revitalized under Solskjaer. For now, he simply might not be good enough and that calls for the addition of a new face like Manolas, if United plan on climbing themselves back into the top four.
The Greek defender has a release clause worth £32.4m with his contract set to run till June 2022.
