Manchester United is preparing to rival Chelsea for the signing of the French defender from AS Monaco, Benoit Badiashile.
The imposing center midfielder enjoyed a fantastic campaign last season and looks likely to leave Monaco with just 18 months left on his current contract.
At 21, he would be an attractive option for either Premier League club, with both likely in need of a left-footed centre-back.
Erik ten Hag was quick to sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax in the summer, allowing him to land a left-footed strike on the left side of his defensive partner.
However, the new World Cup winner remains the only non-right-handed central defender in United’s squad, meaning that sooner or later the Red Devils are likely to need to strengthen the position.
Foot Mercato reports that Badiashile will cost around €40m, with Chelsea and United interested in that price.
Previously, both clubs were rumored to be ready to fight for Josko Gvardiol, however, despite Lionel Messi’s best efforts to make him available at the FIFA World Cup, the Croatian defender is still believed to be out of reach for Josko Gvardiol. Chelsea, and certainly from the man. United at this stage.
While United are unlikely to pay even €40m for a central defender in the January transfer window, a summer move would not be out of the question.
At that point, Badiashile will have to be transferred by Monaco, lest the Ligue 1 side risk losing the player to a Bosman ruling twelve months later.
That could make the Frenchman an attractive proposition for United, particularly if they end up moving into one or two central midfielders.
Harry Maguire’s impressive World Cup performances have led to speculation that he could move on at the end of the season in pursuit of regular first-team football.
He certainly did nothing to hurt his chances of finding a suitable club while in Qatar, and away from the pressures of Old Trafford, he could be an asset to another team.
In that case, Badiashile could be an ideal target to strengthen Ten Hag’s defensive options.
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