MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a move for Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu, according to reports in Spain.
Salisu, 20, has impressed in La Liga and a £10million release clause is tempting the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Salisu fits the bill for United, who are looking for young players as part of a rebuilding strategy
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to improve United’s defenceCredit: Reuters
United’s scouts have extensively reported on the Ghanaian since he broke into Valladolid’s first team in 2018 and are hoping to complete a deal in the summer.
Valladolid rate him highly so it is unlikely that they will allow him to leave mid-season.
Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s side are not the only English team rumoured to be interested in the centre-back.
Everton, Newcastle, Southampton and Norwich City are also reportedly tracking the youngster, Football Espana claims.
The player’s agent is the father of United playmaker Juan Mata which could help the club in tempting the defender to the Premier League.
Solskjaer is keen to add to his defence after hauling off Phil Jones at half-time against Sheffield United and is eyeing up a new partner for summer signing Harry Maguire.
United are wary of signing players over the age of 30 after recent failures of Nemanja Matic and Bastian Schweinsteiger and Salisu will have plenty of time to develop.
Salisu has made 14 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring once.
The defence at Old Trafford has had plenty of criticism in recent seasons, with Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly plagued by injuries and inconsistent form.
Maguire has helped to repair a fragile central defence but it is far from a finished article.
Chris Smalling looks set to turn his loan deal at Roma into a permanent contract and Jones isn’t impressing Solskjaer.
Victor Lindelof has been Maguire’s partner in the heart of defence but it appears United want to freshen up their squad and build for the future.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Man United ‘lacked desire’ in first half against Sheffield United
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
