Manchester United close to signing French defender – decision already made
AS Monaco defenders opts to join Manchester United REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a transfer for French defender Axel Disasi.
The Premier League outfit have been long linked with a move for Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae with reports in Italy suggesting United will trigger his €60m release clause.
However, on Wednesday, French outlet L’Equipe (via GFFN) claimed United are close to completing a deal for Axel Disasi. He has already decided to move to Old Trafford.
The AS Monaco star impressed for France at the 2022 World Cup and also featured in the final defeat against Argentina. The 25-year-old also played all 38 league games for Monaco this season.
The report suggests Monaco and United are yet to begin formal discussions. But the English giants have no issues meeting the Principality side’s asking price – believed to be in the region of €40m to €50m.
Disasi will cost less than Kim Min-jae but isn’t as complete as the Napoli defender, who was comfortably the best centre-back last season in Italy with and without the ball.
Erik ten Hag wants to add another central defender to his ranks amid uncertainty over Harry Maguire’s long-term future at Old Trafford. Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be interested in the United captain.
The North London outfit, who recently appointed Ange Postecoglou as their manager, are fighting hard to keep hold of talisman Harry Kane. The England superstar is attracting interest from United and Real Madrid. The latter are expected to make a move for the 29-year-old following Karim Benzema’s departure.
As per The Telegraph, Spurs’ interest in Maguire could be seen as a potential move to convince Kane to continue at the club. The striker previously recommended the former Leicester City man to his club and shares a close relationship with his international teammate.
