Manchester United show ‘serious interest’ in signing 28-year-old ex-Chelsea defender during January transfer window: Report

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen. The Denmark international has been penciled in as a potential transfer target in the January transfer window as per Mundo Deportivo.

Christensen joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with former club side Chelsea.

The 28-year-old defender has since gone on to make up to 75 appearances for Barcelona, with over 30 of those coming in his first season at Camp Nou.

However, Christensen has barely featured for La Blaugrana this season due to fitness-related issues and only returned to full training over the weekend. The former Chelsea defender will also have to now contend with the first-choice defensive pair of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi for a place in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Premier League giants Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Christensen and could make a move in the upcoming January transfer window. New manager Ruben Amorim is said to be keen on strengthening his defense, which has already conceded 24 goals in the Premier League this season.

The likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans have all moved past their prime, while Lisandro Martinez hasn't been at his best for United this season.

Leny Yoro, 19, on the other hand, is still in his developmental phase, thus prompting the need to add an experienced defender like Christensen to their ranks.

However, a move for Christensen in January could be an uphill task for Manchester United, as the player himself is believed to not be too keen on leaving Barcelona next month.

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Manchester United target laughs off reports that he could leave Barcelona in January

The 28-year-old center-back recently revealed in an interview with Danish network TV 2 Sport that both he and the club are looking forward to his return from injury. Christensen has only 26 minutes of football action after suffering from a plantar tendinopathy in the Achilles tendon of his left leg.

The Barcelona defender has returned to training over the weekend and has ruled out talks that he could be considering exiting the club in January.

Christensen, who has 18 months left on his contract and a staggering release clause of €500 million, is currently being linked with Manchester United and Juventus as per Mundo Deportivo.

When asked about speculations linking him with a move away from Camp Nou, he said:

"You can’t do anything but smile when you don’t hear anything. I can only speak about the conversations I’ve had with the club and so far they’ve only told me that I’ll recover well and that they’re looking forward to my return."

Barcelona will begin 2025 with a Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro on Saturday, January 4.