Man Utd To Make £30m Bid For Arsenal & Chelsea Target Following Talks With Agent

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, the race hots-up for Kostas Manolas….

Manchester United are ready to steal a march on their rivals by launching a £30m move for Roma defender Kostas Manolas as soon as Jose Mourinho gives the go-ahead, according to the Express.

Mourinho was confirmed as the new United boss on Friday morning and the Portuguese coach is expected to get straight to work strengthening the squad he’s inherited from sacked Dutchman Louis van Gaal.

A new centre-back is likely to be a priority as Daley Blind was forced to play alongside Chris Smalling for much of this season with Phil Jones struggling for form and fitness and it appears Manolas has emerged as a prime target.

The Express claim that United officials have already held talks with the centre-back’s agent about a move to Old Trafford and they will meet his £30.3m buyout clause as soon as Mourinho gives them the green light.

Manolas has just come off the back of an outstanding campaign with Roma and has forged a reputation as one of the best central defenders in Serie A since joining the club from Olympiakos two years ago, so he’d certainly be an excellent addition if United could get a deal agreed.

However, the Red Devils could yet face stiff competition for the Greek international’s signature as the newspaper suggests that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has also identified the defender as a key target as he looks to bring in a long-term replacement for John Terry.

Arsenal have also been tracking the 24-year-old for some time with the Daily Mail reporting that Arsene Wenger is ready to renew his interest after missing out on Manolas two years ago, with the Gunners boss looking to sign a reliable partner for Laurent Koscielny.

As it stands, United appear to be in pole position as they’ve supposedly held talks with Manolas’s agent but until they get a deal done, there is still time for the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea to step-up their interest and hijack United’s proposed move.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

It’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out over the coming weeks but I think Manolas would be an excellent signing for any of the three Premier League giants who’re reportedly interested, so let’s hope one of them manages to lure him away from Italy this summer.