Manchester United Transfer Rumour: £26m rated defender set to become first summer signing

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Updated: April 5, 2018
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Manchester United are expected to bring in a new left back this summer after Luke Shaw failing to win the trust of manager Jose Mourinho. The England international has seen his time on the field curtailed this season and has since been replaced by Ashley Young at the position for most of the games this season.

United has been linked with a whole host of left-backs this summer and now according to reports from RMC Sport, Mourinho has asked the club hierarchy to bring in Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam this coming summer. The Algerian international will reportedly cost the Red Devils £26m.

United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool were also believed to have a keen eye on the defender. However, according to recent developments at Old Trafford, the 20-tiime English champions look to be in the driver’s seat to acquire the Algerian’s services in the coming days.

Ghulam started the season with the North Italian side in emphatic fashion – managing to bag two goals and three assists in the opening 11 games. However, a rupture to a cruciate ligament has seen him being sidelined since October.

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A big talent indeed

A bedrock at the back for Napoli, his performances have duly been recognised as he was named Algerian Football of the Year for 2017 ahead of Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez.

The 27-year-old was supposedly also being scouted by Manchester City before the injury and is believed to have a release clause of £52million after signing a new contract in December.

Whilst many are still sceptical about the Algerian’s recovery from injury, his pedigree is beyond any doubt and the asking price for the talented defender doesn’t seem to be one that gives the Red Devils headaches.

Ghoulam, who has 35 internationals caps to his name has made over 150 appearances for Napoli since joining them in 2014 from Saint-Etienne.

The 35-time Algeria international joined Napoli from Saint-Etienne in January 2014, and has made over 150 appearances for his Italian club in all competitions. Very much a modern-day full-back, he is also a threat down the other side of the field as well.

Along with Shaw two other stars, viz. Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind are expected to head for the exits as well and we are set to see a busy summer at Old Trafford. Thus, it is expected for United to be linked with a number of names in the full back position.

There is no question that the defender is a big talent, and Shaw’s expected departure will leave United desperately needing to boost their full-back options ahead of the 2018-19 season.