Manchester United have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Leeds in the hunt for Torino defender Nicolas Nkoulou.
Tuttosport claims that both clubs are considering swooping for the experienced defender, who will be out of contract this summer.
The 30-year-old joined Torino in 2017, but is on the hunt for a new club after the Serie A side decided against offering him a new deal.
The Tuttosport report states that the Red Devils have had Nkoulou watched this season, as they eye a bargain addition.
The Old Trafford club have been linked with a number of costly centre-backs over the past year or so.
The likes of Sevilla’s Jule Kounde and Villarreal’s Pau Torres are both on their radar. However, they would both cost in excess of £40million.
The fact they could land a low-cost option instead would allow Solskjaer to focus on strengthening other positions.
Leeds’ interest comes down to the fact that Nkoulou had a five-year stint under Marcelo Bielsa at Marseille.
The current Leeds boss clearly has fond memories of the player, and would be interested in a reunion at Elland Road.
Leeds have struggled defensively this season, with injuries to summer signings Robin Koch and Diego Llorente not helping.
Nkoulou, who will be 31 later in March, has made just 11 Serie A appearances this season for a Torino side sitting just above the relegation zone.
The defender, who won the last of his 75 caps for Cameroon in 2017, is not considered to be elite level. However, that’s not stopped rumours that both Premier League could make a move at the end of this term.
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Man Utd chasing Icelandic starlet
Manchester United are among ‘many’ European clubs keeping close tabs on Icelandic midfield starlet Isak Bergmann Johannesson, according to a report.
The 17-year-old reportedly attracted attention from several teams across the continent in last summer’s transfer window.
But despite Liverpool supposedly showing interest, the player confirmed his dream to line up for United.
Johannesson currently plies his trade for Swedish side Norkroping in the country’s first division. He has made one appearance so far this season, which came with an 80-minute stint on Sunday.
Nevertheless, he has already made his senior debut for Iceland and continues to attract potential suitors.
FC Inter News claims that Inter have joined the list of clubs watching the player intently.
Indeed, the source says that club scouts have surveyed the midfielder on several occasions this season and will continue to keep tabs on his progress.
Juventus are also supposedly among the teams showing initial interest in a deal.
Johannesson’s described admiration for Man Utd comes from the fact that he was born in England. Read more…
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