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Manchester United seem to have recognized a brand new centre-back goal to strengthen their defence this switch window.
Whereas Jonny Evans nears the top of his profession, Victor Lindelof anticipated to go away the membership, Man United are working out of choices at centre-back.
This concern is inflated by Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, that means that three centre-backs are required on the pitch at anyone time versus two, which was beforehand the case.
Given this conundrum, United are showing to be on the hunt for a younger defensive expertise who can show to be a long-term resolution.
Africafoot reported that United have focused SC Braga and Mali centre-back Sikou Niakaté. Nonetheless, they look like in competitors with bitter rivals Manchester Metropolis.
“In response to info from Africafoot, Pep Guardiola is especially attracted by the profile of the younger left central defender, Malian worldwide Sikou Niakaté. The Manchester Metropolis administration tremendously appreciates this participant,” the report learn.
“In the meantime, Manchester United are additionally eager to amass the Malian and are maintaining an in depth eye on his state of affairs. United scouts have been following Sikou Niakaté through the Europa League, the place he shone each final yr and this season.”
As talked about within the article, the Malian is underneath contract with Braga till June 30, 2028, that means that both membership would want to current a pretty switch charge to lure the 25 yr outdated away from his Portuguese facet.
Nonetheless, he may show to be an inexpensive possibility for United supervisor Ruben Amorim, given that he’s valued at simply €6 million by Transfermarkt.
In consequence, even when United select to battle Metropolis for his signature, the Malian will nonetheless show to be a worthwhile possibility financially.
United might want to act fast although as each Lyon and Reims have reportedly inquired about him as properly.
This season, Niakate has confirmed to be a dependable possibility on the again for Braga. He has performed 14 Liga Portugal matches, maintaining 5 clear sheets.
He has averaged 4 clearances per sport, 1.8 interceptions, and 5.1 ball recoveries.
Niakate has been notably spectacular by way of his physicality, successful 63% of his duels together with 69% of his aerial battles. (Sofascore)
Nonetheless, it stays to be seen whether or not United will make any strikes within the switch market this January, regardless of their determined want to take action.
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