Manchester United transfer news: United ready to pay £108m for defender, Red Devils want £34m center-back, and more - 2nd January 2019 

Hello and welcome to the daily Manchester United transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours!

With the mid-season managerial change, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's appointment has upturned the fortunes at Old Trafford. The Red Devils now look more formidable under the attack-minded Norwegian, having won all the three games with him in charge.

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Also See: EPL Transfer News | EPL Fixtures

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Now, all eyes will be on the United hierarchy to see if they back the interim manager in the market and sign the required players. Manchester United are said to want a world-class center-back to lessen the liabilities in their defence, which is why they have been linked with a host of defenders.

Without further ado, let's have a look a look at the top stories concerning Manchester United for today.

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#1 Inter Milan eyeing move for Ashley Young

Inter Milan are interested in signing Ashley Young

Even without the tedious job of having to buy players in the transfer window, Manchester United have a lot on their hands owing to securing the long-term futures of their players.

Ashley Young is one such player the Red Devils aim to keep. However, the Englishman is yet to extend his stay which has alerted a few clubs.

According to the Daily Mirror, Inter Milan are now interested in securing the services of Young. The 33-year-old's current deal expires in the summer and he is free to negotiate a pre-contract in the upcoming window.

United are currently in talks with the Englishman over a 12-month extension when his deal expires in the summer. While the Nerazzurri have shown interest in signing him, they could also face significant competition from AS Roma for the player's signature.

Inter Milan, in the meanwhile, are hoping to snap up Young to Italy on a free transfer.

#2 Manchester United want Kostas Manolas

Kostas Manolas has been targeted by Manchester United

Manchester United have been chasing a bunch of defenders to shore up their defence for the remainder of the season. One of those defenders is AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas.

According to Tutto Mercato Web via Daily Mirror, Manchester United are rumored to be preparing a £34m deal to bring the Greek defender to Old Trafford.

Manolas is one of the most reliable defenders in the Serie A and has also been pursued by Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Red Devils have been linked with moves for the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire, and Kalidou Koulibaly, but Manolas' release clause makes him a more affordable target in comparison to their other targets.

It remains to be seen if the Red Devils do make a concrete offer for the Greek defender and sign him this month.

#1 The Kalidou Koulibaly saga

Manchester United view Kalidou Koulibaly as the perfect solution to resolve their defensive problems

The defensive problems at Manchester United are far from being curtailed under the fluid attacking football Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has brought to the club. Yet, the Red Devils are still in search of a center-back to solve their defensive problems, which is why they are rumored to be interested in signing Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli.

Napoli have already spurned United's advances towards the Senegalese defender, but the rumours have refused to cease. According to Gazetta dello Sport via The Sportsman, Manchester United will have to dwarf the record fee for a defender to sign Koulibaly by offering £108m for his services.

The 27-year-old has been tipped to quit Napoli following their Champions League group stage exit, with United being one of the front-runners in the race for his signature.

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