Ben Guest
Manchester United have joined the race for highly rated Sevilla star Clement Lenglet according to reports in France.
Lenglet impressed Jose Mourinho with his performances against United in the Champions League this season, with Sevilla surprisingly dumping United out of the tournament in the round of 16.
While the 22-year-old missed out on a place in Didier Deschamp’s World Cup squad, he could make up for that disappointment and further boost his profile within the game with a move to one of Europe’s leading clubs, with L’Equipe claiming United are willing to pay his relatively modest €35 million release clause.
The Frenchman has already been highly linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, although with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti the undisputed first choice defensive pairing at the Nou Camp, a move to Manchester United could prove to be a more attractive option.
United themselves were interested in signing Umtiti, but saw their hopes dashed as he signed an improved contract to keep him in Catalonia with a release clause of an incredible €500 million inserted into it.
The Red Devils have also been heavily linked with a move Toby Alderweireld, while they also have a long-standing interest in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
They have already wrapped up the first signing of the summer by confirming a deal is in place to sign Brazil midfielder Fred, and they are expected to confirm a deal for Porto youngster Diogo Dalot in the next 48 hours as Jose Mourinho looks to close the 19 point gap opened up by Manchester City this season.