Manchester United set for €30 million battle with Premier League rivals for Portuguese-based midfielder: Reports

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United are set to compete against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for the signature of SC Braga defender Sikou Niakate, according to Africa Foot. The Red Devils' scouts are actively eyeing Sikou Niakate's progress.

The 25-year-old is an academy product of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and played for Les Parisians between 2006 and 2013. However, after brief stints at multiple French clubs, he joined Braga from Guingamp on a permanent transfer in July 2023.

The defender also spent a year (2022-23) on loan at Braga before penning the permanent deal.

Sikou Niakate has made 91 appearances across all competitions for Braga, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. The Malian defender has scored three and assisted one goal for the Portuguese side across competitions this season while helping the side keep ten clean sheets.

The Red Devils are impressed with Sikou Niakate's performance and are keen to sign the Malian defender in the winter transfer window. In addition to the Red Devils, Manchester City also admires the 25-year-old's defensive abilities and thinks he can make the switch to the Premier League.

His contract with Braga will expire in the summer of 2028. Braguistas are expected to demand a transfer fee of around €30 million for Sikou Niakate.

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Manchester United considering permanent sale of 23-year-old attacker: Reports

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Quarter Final - Source: Getty

Manchester United are reportedly keen to sell Dutch attacker Joshua Zirkzee on a permanent deal in the winter transfer window, as per Corriere Dello Sport. The Dutch attacker joined the Old Trafford outfit in July 2024 from Serie A side Bologna for a reported €42.5 million.

Since he arrived at Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee has made 28 appearances across all competitions, recording four goals and two assists. Erik ten Hag was the head coach of the Red Devils while Zirkzee was signed.

Juventus are the frontrunners to sign the Dutchman as Thiago Motta is keen to recruit new attackers. The Serie A giants are in favor of signing Joshua Zirkzee on a loan deal with an option to buy. However, the Red Devils want to sell the Dutchman permanently.