Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Nicolas Nkoulou, who appears set to leave Torino as a free agent this summer.
According to a report by Italian publication Tuttosport, Nicolas Nkoulou has popped up on the radar of Manchester United over a move in the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old, who could be set to leave Torino as a free agent, is also being tailed by Leeds United.
Nkoulou joined Torino from Lyon in the summer of 2017 and has since been a mainstay at the back for the Serie A outfit. Till date, the Cameroonian international has made 128 appearances for Il Toro and has become one of the most underrated players in Italy at present.
His stock has fallen to some extent this season, but Nkoulou seems to have plenty of admirers, especially considering the fact that he will be available on a free transfer in the summer. Chasing his signature are Manchester United, who have been touted to be in the market for a centre-back ahead of the summer.
Harry Maguire has been nearly ever-present at the heart of the Manchester United defence since his arrival at Manchester United. However, the English international has not had a consistent partner, especially this season, with Victor Lindelof struggling from a chronic back issue, whereas Axel Tuanzebe has not been able to remain fit for a stretched period.
In addition, with Eric Bailly also dealing with a glut of injury issues over the course of his stint with Manchester United, it is imperative for the Red Devils to sign a centre-back who can be a constant alongside Maguire. To that end, Pau Torres is one of the players considered to be a target by the Premier League heavyweights, with Nkoulou now also emerging on their radar.
Having said that, the 30-year-old will hardly be a long-term solution for Manchester United, considering he will be 31 this month. Instead, someone like Nikola Milenkovic, another Serie A star linked with Manchester United, would be more of a viable target given United’s preference to build for the future.
Nevertheless, it looks like the English giants are interested in Nkoulou, although Leeds United might be the favourites in his pursuit, considering the player has previously played under Marcelo Bielsa. It now remains to be seen if Manchester United press ahead with their interest in the veteran defender or if they turn their attention elsewhere.
