Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Leeds United are vying for French utility man Boubacar Kamara, who could be available for a cut-price move this month.
The Daily Mail has reported that at least three Premier League clubs want to sign Boubacar Kamara before this month’s transfer deadline. Manchester United, Leeds United and Aston Villa are all interested in the Marseille utility man, who will be out of contract in the summer.
As the January transfer window comes to a close, many clubs are scrambling to complete their transfer business. Premier League clubs, in particular, are looking at many options across Europe this month, although there is very little time available to conclude transfers.
A defensive midfielder is needed at many clubs across the Premier League. While teams are aware of the difficulties in conducting business in January, they are looking for bargain deals that may be viable for all parties involved. One of the players heavily mentioned is Marseille’s versatile defensive star, Boubacar Kamara.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has only six months left on his deal with the Ligue 1 club and is likely to depart on a free transfer when the season concludes. However, Marseille could be open to selling him this month if their demands of a £10 million fee are met.
Kamara has been monitored by a host of big clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, who are reportedly keen on a Bosman move in the summer. However, Marseille would love to cash in on him this month amid plenty of interest from the Premier League.
Leeds United, Manchester United, and Aston Villa are among Kamara’s suitors, while Newcastle United are also rumoured to be in the equation. They might look to pay a small fee this month to avoid a transfer scramble in the summer when Kamara becomes a free agent.
Aston Villa have been looking to sign a new defensive midfielder, with Juventus’s Rodrigo Bentancur reportedly close to joining the Midlands club. While they have seemingly preferred the Uruguayan so far, Kamara could become a late option if they fail in the pursuit of the Serie A midfielder.
Manchester United, who have seen their name linked to a host of defensive midfielders, including RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara in the last few weeks, are also hot on Kamara’s trail. Ralf Rangnick is intent on upgrading his central midfield options with a player of Kamara’s quality, and his price tag will also appeal to the club.
Finally, Leeds United, who have been looking for young, quality options to bolster their squad ahead of the second part of the season, are also in the hunt for the 22-year-old. Injuries have hampered Marcelo Bielsa’s side in key positions, and Kamara’s versatility, which allows him to play as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder with equal vigour, makes him a sensational option.
It remains to be seen if the midfielder leaves Marseille this month or waits until the end of the season for other big clubs to join the queue. If a transfer happens this month, it certainly favours Marseille financially, as they will get nothing from Kamara’s transfer in the summer when he becomes a free agent.