Man Utd open talks with agent of €30m centre-back as move nears

Gabriel Magalhaes TEAMtalk

Manchester United have reportedly held talks with the agent of Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of a proposed move.

RMC Sport’s Mohamed Bouhafsi has reported that the Red Devils are one of four clubs in the battle for the 22-year-old.

Sky Sports had earlier claimed that the defender’s representatives were in the UK to discuss a transfer with two Premier League clubs.

Bouhafsi added on Sunday that United, Everton and Napoli have been joined by an unnamed fourth club.

The former Brazil Under-20 international is currently valued at €30m (£27m). But that price could go up if a bidding war begins for the talented defender.

Gabriel has established himself as a key player for Lille, having broken into the first team 18 months ago.

He helped them secure a fourth-placed finish this season and played every minute of their six Champions League group games.

Perfect partner for Maguire

It is no secret that Red Devils boss Ole Gunner Solskjaer wants a new centre-back to provide stronger competition at Old Trafford.

Gabriel is considered the perfect partner for Harry Maguire. His signing would allow the United skipper to move to right-hand side of defence, his preferred position.

Both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are still expected to have futures at the club. Although the latter could be loaned back to Spain next season.

However, Gabriel is not the only centre-back on United’s radar, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis hinting that Kalidou Koulibaly may still be up grabs.

 

CHELSEA MAN ON UNITED’S RADAR

Manchester United could explore the possibility of signing Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, claims a report.

The winger has struggled for form and game time this season, having been limited to just seven Premier League starts. While he has featured 31 times this season, the majority of those have been off the bench.

As a result, Chelsea could look to offload Hudson-Odoi this summer.

Now the Daily Express claims the 19-year-old could come under Manchester United’s transfer radar. Citing the Manchester Evening News, they claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a big admirer of the player and that he ‘ticks all the boxes’ for the Norwegian. Read more…