Man Utd now showing interest in signing “phenomenal” star with same agent as Mainoo

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their defence, after failing to bring in a new centre-back during the summer transfer window.

In fact, two arrivals could be on the cards this winter, with Man United aiming to sign a centre-back and left-back, and Michael Carrick has confirmed he is open to improving his squad during the January window.

The United boss said: “When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it. Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don’t quite know. But without doubt, there’s opportunity because the transfer window is open.

“So we’ll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like.”

Signing a new centre-back may be particularly important, considering Lisandro Martinez has reportedly informed INEOS he intends to leave the club, although the Argentina international started at Elland Road last time out.

Martinez has been under fire for his criticism of Jason Wilcox after the 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and the 28-year-old could be on the move, after spending four years at Old Trafford.

If Martinez departs, the need to sign a centre-back will be exacerbated, and United have now started identifying potential targets, with a Serie A star recently entering their thinking.

Man Utd keen on signing Pierre Kalulu

According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United are now interested in signing Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, who is represented by the same agent as Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw.

However, there could be competition from elsewhere, with Premier League rivals Liverpool also named as potential suitors, alongside reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

It could be difficult to prise the Frenchman away from Juventus though, with journalist Pete O’Rourke explaining: “The Italian club are very keen to try and keep him at the club, and I think they are in talks about extending his current contract as well.”

Lauded as “phenomenal” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 26-year-old has been one of Juventus’ most important players in the Serie A this season, featuring for 630 minutes, the joint-highest number in Luciano Spalletti’s squad.

Although he is a centre-back by trade, the France international is also capable of playing right-back, and he can pose a threat on the front foot, as evidenced by the fact he created 11 big chances in the league last season, with only two Juventus players creating more.

As such, Kalulu could be a versatile option for Man United, who definitely need to sign a new defender sooner rather than later, considering Martinez could be set to leave, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.