Ever since Manchester United went in two-footed to secure the arrival of Harry Maguire in the summer, we've enjoyed a pleasant break from reports linking them with every other centre-back in Europe.
Since then, the focus has generally switched to defensive departures. Chris Smalling is seemingly reviving his career on loan at Roma, while Phil Jones continues to exist, and both are expected to head out permanently when the transfer window opens.
That, however, would leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with just three options at the heart of defence - first-choice duo Maguire and Victor Lindelof, and the invariably injured Eric Bailly.
It was inevitable, then, that the centre-back rumour mill would come into full effect once again at some stage. Far from Kalidou Koulibaly (he's now being unconvincingly linked with everyone from Newcastle to Liverpool) though, reports in France have claimed that RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konaté is the man United want to fill the gap in their squad.
20-year-old Konaté has been out injured since October, but is one of the Bundesliga's most promising defensive talents and had struck up an imperious partnership with Dayot Upamecano prior to being sidelined. The 6'4 defender has made 71 appearances for Leipzig since joining from Sochaux in 2017, and Le10Sport say he has done enough to win an admirer in United.
It's claimed the Old Trafford club have made contact with the player's entourage, but it will require an 'XXL offer' (that's literally what it says) to pry him away, since he is tied down until 2023.
The report also claims, seemingly in passing, that United are keen to sign one of Victor Osimhen, Wissam Ben Yedder or Moussa Dembele, as they look for an upgrade on Odion Ighalo this summer. The latter of that trio looks the most realistic, after the Manchester Evening News claimed over the weekend that he is 'impressed' with the prospect of joining the 20-time Premier League winners.
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Source : 90min