Manchester United are favourites to sign €36 million-rated AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas in the summer, it has been claimed.
According to Calciomercato, the Greek defender is likely to leave Italy in the summer, should Roma fail to secure Champions League football next season. And with the Giallorossi dawdling in the fifth position, a move away from Stadio Olimpico could be on the horizon.
It is believed that Manolas has a release clause of €36 million, which can be activated in the summer.
Kostas Manolas: An ideal target for Manchester United
Manchester United have been on the lookout for a solid defender for over a year now, having struggled with injuries to star players like Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo while Eric Bailly has lacked consistency, allowing Chris Smalling to make himself a regular fixture in United’s starting eleven this season.
As a result, Victor Lindelof has been the only reliable option in central defence for coach Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer and thus, the addition of another established defender could be imperative as the Red Devils aim to compete for the Premier League title next season.
Manolas, in that regard, appears as arguably the most appealing target for Manchester United, largely due to his comparatively cheaper price-tag.
Indeed, United have already been linked with moves for Milan Skriniar, Kalidou Koulibaly and Joachim Andersen, nearly all of who could cost them a fortune. Manolas, to that end, could be a less risky option considering the fact that he could be available for a fee of €36 million.
From a sporting perspective, the Greek international can offer technicality in United’s build-up play, thanks to his remarkable passing and distribution. The 27-year-old boasts of an excellent pass completion rate of 87% and has exceeded the 85% mark in each of his five seasons in Italy.
He is also a tactically astute defender, whose aggression and willingness to press the opposition goes hand in hand with the attacking brand of football Manchester United have embraced under Solskjaer. He has averaged nearly 2 interceptions per game this season.
From breaking up play to keeping up with his markers, Manolas is equipped with certain traits that could help United revamp their defensive department.
And at the age of just 27, it can be assumed that the Greek defender is currently at his peak, thus making him an ideal target for United as they aim to pose a strong threat for the title next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored