Man Utd ‘close to sealing £44m transfer’ for incredible Chelsea and Real Madrid target

Man Utd ‘close to sealing £44m transfer’ for incredible Chelsea and Real Madrid target

Manchester United could be set to beat Chelsea, Real Madrid and other heavyweights to an exciting January transfer.

Manchester United are nearing a £44million deal for highly-rated Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag is plotting a defensive shake-up at Old Trafford this year, and the talented youngster looks to have emerged on his transfer radar.

Transfer news LIVE as Man Utd near £44m deal and Chelsea eye return
United face a storm of centre-back uncertainty heading into 2024, likely to be addressed in the next two transfer windows.

The Red Devils didn’t trigger the 12-month extension in Raphael Varane’s current deal, leaving him free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs this month.

Jonny Evans is also out of contract in the summer, and there is a feeling United triggered Victor Lindelof’s 12-month extension to retain value for a sale.

Ten Hag could target two new centre-backs if at least a pair depart Old Trafford in the coming months, and Scalvini is reportedly one of them.

According to French publication Les Bons Conceil Du Sports, United are in advanced negotiations with Atalanta over the signing of Scalvini.

The M16 giants are said to be ready to activate the 20-year-old sensation’s £44m release clause after monitoring his development over an extended period.

Scalvini has been linked with Serie A giants AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan in Italian media.

According to reports in Spain, his reputation as one of Europe’s top young centre-backs is also strongly admired by Real Madrid.

Chelsea have also reportedly registered an interest in Scalvini’s services. However, United may have pipped the competition to the post.

The towering 6ft 4in defender has already established himself as an important player for club and country, playing 20 times for Atalanta this season, 16 in Serie A and four in the Europa League.

Scalvini has made 75 appearances since his debut as a 17-year-old in October 2021 and already boasts seven international caps.