Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu as they eye defensive reinforcements in January.
According to a report from 90min.com, as relayed by the Express, Manchester United are monitoring Leicester City’s Turkish defender Caglar Soyuncu ahead of the January transfer window as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen his backline.
Having spent the early years of his professional career in his homeland Turkey, Soyuncu shot to fame at German outfit SC Freiburg, where he spent two years after having joined in 2016. After being impressed with his development, Leicester made a move for the 24-year-old in the summer of 2018.
While he did not play a major role in his debut campaign in England, the centre-back has become an integral member of the Foxes’ rearguard since last year. Following the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United, Soyuncu slotted in seamlessly at the heart of the Leicester backline and impressed heavily.
So much so that, Barcelona had been lining up a move for the 24-year-old in the summer. Having stayed out at Leicester, Soyuncu has endured an injury-riddled 2020/21 campaign, featuring just five times across all competitions. His stock, though, remains very high, with Manchester United keeping tabs on him.
The Red Devils have recovered from a dodgy start to the season and have moved to the second place in the Premier League table, following their 1-0 win over Wolves on Tuesday. However, the lack of consistency across the pitch remains a problem for Solskjaer & co.
Defensively, Manchester United have blown hot and cold over the course of the campaign. They have already shipped in 23 goals in the Premier League this term, which is the worst defensive record among the top ten in the standings currently.
Maguire hasn’t always been consistent enough while the same goes for Victor Lindelof as well. Plus, the Swede has been struggling with a chronic back issue of late. Eric Bailly, despite impressing in recent matches, remains a liability due to his injury problems. So, Manchester United are now looking to bolster their defensive unit in January.
Soyuncu, to that end, has emerged as a viable target for the 20-time English champions. Apart from the Leicester City man, United also have Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Villarreal defender Pau Torres also on their transfer shortlist, along with Ozan Kabak and Ben White, who has also been linked with arch-rivals Liverpool.
Soyuncu is contracted with Leicester till 2023. With the Foxes also firmly in the mix for the top-four race, it is extremely unlikely that they would let go of him midway through the season, especially to a direct rival.