Manchester United seem to have shifted their attention to Ligue 1 in their search for a centre-back, reportedly submitting an enquiry for Bordeaux star Pablo.
According to an exclusive report from FOX Sports, Manchester United have found a new potential target for January in their search to solidify their central defence. Bordeaux defender Pablo is generating interest in his services and Manchester United have reportedly enquired as to the possibility of a January deal for the Brazilian star.
Pablo Nascimento Castro or Pablo, as he is commonly known, joined Bordeaux first in 2015 but went on a two-year loan back to Brazil before rejoining in December 2017. The centre-back has since become an insoluble part of the first-team squad. But, the 2018-19 season has been kind to him, with Pablo playing a key role in Bordeaux’s Ligue 1 fortunes.
While Bordeaux are currently hovering around the mid-table, Pablo has been a rock at the back for the French side, while also being the difference in the club’s 3-2 win over Saint Etienne, with a goal and an assist to his name. His performances have started generating interest from top European clubs, with Manchester United going one step up by submitting an enquiry for the centre-back.
Jose Mourinho seems to have finally found his best centre-back pairing for the time being in Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof. But, Lindelof and Smalling are both injured and their replacements in Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have not been as compelling at the back.
The latest example was the 2-1 defeat to Valencia during the midweek, which saw Jones struggle to defend against the attackers and on another day, the home side might have had two to three more goals. While Mourinho is looking to revamp the defensive roster entirely, with Lindelof and Smalling the only ones likely to survive, a short-term solution is needed in January to salvage the 2018-19 campaign.
The club and the manager are both aware it will be difficult to convince any big-name superstar to sign in January, which might be one of the reasons United are looking at Pablo. The 27-year-old is peaking and is ripe for his age as a centre-back to provide his best years of service to Manchester United.
Another bonus is that the Brazilian international will not cost as much as the other names on Manchester United’s wishlist. Bordeaux might not be looking to let go of their key player in the midst of the season. But, if United do come in with a considerable offer and Pablo does show interest in the move, the transfer looks very likely to happen.
