Manchester United transfer news: Milan Skriniar tops defender shortlist with two other names identified

Milan Skriniar tops United’s summer transfer list but Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen remain options - with one current defender set to make way for the new arrival

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Saturday 16 February 2019 09:35 GMT
Comments
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits PSG were 'a level up' from Manchester United

Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar is among Manchester United's top targets to finally sign another centre-half in the summer, and now seen as the likeliest deal.

The club have been determined to bring in a leader in that area for some time, with the necessity for such a figure persisting past Jose Mourinho's departure, and only emphasised by the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

The top current targets are Skriniar, Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Sampdoria's Joachim Andersen. While Andersen is seen as likely to go to Tottenham Hotspur, with contact and progress having already been made there, Koulibaly could be very difficult to extract from Napoii. A new Inter contract has been discussed for Skriniar, but his camp have also been aware of United's long-term interest.

It is understood that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had some input over potential summer signings.

Any purchase will see one of the current centre-halves moved on. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones having recently agreed new deals, so Eric Bailly is seen as under threat.

The Ivorian is understood to have split opinion among United's staff. While some believe he has a physicality that has been missing, others worry about his purer footballing ability.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in