Manchester United closing in on a deal for AC Milan defender – Reports

Manchester United are closing in on sealing a move for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli, according to reports in Il Corriere dello Sport.

United are looking to strengthen their defence for the upcoming season and have identified Romagnoli as the perfect player to slot in alongside Eric Bailly at the back after Victor Lindelof endured an indifferent start to his United career.

Romagnoli recently signed a contract extension which will keep him at the Italian club until 2022, but could be tempted by an offer from a Champions League outfit. He made 27 appearances for the Seria A outfit this past season, picking up seven yellows and a red. He also managed two goals for the Italian giants.

The 23-year-old is one of the most wanted defenders in Europe at the moment and Milan are under pressure to sell after they were handed a European ban earlier this week. United have reportedly tabled a bid of €45 million (including €5 million in bonuses) but Milan are holding out for at least an additional €10 million. However, as per reports, they are willing to do business.

United are also in the market for Inter defender Milan Skriniar, but the club have rejected all advances for the Slovakian thus far. Jose Mourinho has been in talks with a number of other defensive targets as well, including the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Benjamin Pavard, who has impressed at the World Cup with France.

The Red Devils are reportedly set to offload quite a few of their players this summer, including Chris Smalling, who looked completely out of his depth last season, and Luke Shaw, who has struggled for game time ever since joining the club.

If United do indeed manage to secure the services of Romagnoli, they will be well equipped to launch a challenge on the title after falling woefully short of rivals Manchester City last time around.