Home » Manchester United identify Merih Demiral as Harry Maguire alternative – report

Manchester United identify Merih Demiral as Harry Maguire alternative – report

by Leo Nieboer

Manchester United have pinpointed Juventus youngster Merih Demiral as an alternative centre-back option should the club fail to sign Harry Maguire, according to reports from Turkey.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, just like his predecessor Jose Mourinho, has placed heavy emphasis on signing Maguire this summer to bolster the side’s defence.

Negotiatons have so far proven tricky, with Leicester reportedly valuing the Englishman at £90m and manager Brendan Rodgers recently warning Man United that there would be a cut-off point when Leicester would no longer listen to offers for the player.

According to media outlet Turkish Football, United have joined Atletico Madrid in making an enquiry about Demiral’s availability.

Juventus are not prepared to sanction a loan deal for the 1.92m tall defender, and recently rejected a bid for a permanent move from AC Milan, with The Old Lady reluctant to sell to another Serie A club without the inclusion of a buyback clause.

Demiral has limited experience for Juventus but made his senior debut for Turkey last year, and is said to have idolised Nemanja Vidic whilst growing up.

United’s current focus is on selling Romelu Lukaku and signing a defender, leaving their pursuit of midfielder Bruno Fernandes in doubt with just three weeks left until the deadline.

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