MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing defender Marash Kumbulla as cover for Harry Maguire, according to reports.
The Hellas Verona defender has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Serie A under Ivan Juric.
Man Utd could move for Kumbulla as cover for the injured Maguire
Kumbulla, 19, who has one cap for Albania, has already been the subject of a £12.8million bid from rivals Napoli after becoming part of the fifth-best defence in the Italian top flight.
Inter Milan are also interested, say TuttoMercato, as well as Atalanta plus Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig.
Verona are said to be willing to cash in on their star man but with an eye to keeping him on loan until the end of the season.
Kumbulla has made 11 appearances this season – and scored once – with his only omissions coming from a suspension and an arm injury.
United’s world-record central defensive signing Maguire is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a hip injury.
Reports have claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ramping up his search for a centre-back after initially placing a new striker top of his wish list.
However, the United boss does not want to sign a replacement on a permanent deal.
He instead would like to secure a back-up on loan until the summer.
Maguire suffered a hip tear during the 0-0 FA Cup third round draw with Wolves last Saturday.
He missed United’s embarrassing 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat by Manchester City on Tuesday.
The Red Devils could have a real fight to secure his services, though.
Reports in Italian media say Inter have been interested for two months and the player’s agent has said they have dreamed of an Albanian playing in Milan.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
