Manchester United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who is set to be the first addition of the Ralf Rangnick era.
The 22-year-old, who has been in fine form in Ligue 1 this season, has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs and Newcastle.
Kamara was thought to be close a deadline day move to St James’ Park before deciding to stay at the Stade Velodrome.
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Marseille have offered fresh terms to the midfielder who will be able to leae on a free transfer at the end of the season, but it appears Kamara has made up his mind to leave the club.
The Athletic claimed United ‘were across’ Kamara’s situation, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also interested in a summer move.
But the Express, citing – somewhat suspiciously – ‘the Catalonian press’, claim United are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the young Frenchman in the January tranfer window.
It’s claimed the deal could be wrapped up in the opening days of the window, with Rangnick ‘giving his blessing’ for the club to make the move.
Rangnick is said to have identified the midfield as an area of weakness in his United squad and with Paul Pogba set to leave in the summer, they will need new players to fill the void.
Pogba reportedly turned down a new contract offer at the start of the season and will not be offered a new one, as Rangnick believes the Frenchman’s performances do not warrant one.
The German boss is also not happy Pogba is currently rehabilitating abroad.
“As far as I can tell the medical department is really very good, with many different approaches towards rehab,” he said. “I would not want players to do their rehab abroad or anywhere else – the decision on Paul was taken before I came.
“My former clubs were always trying to make sure the rehab should take place in the club itself.
“I have already spoken to the medical department – to Steve [McNally] our doctor, to Robin Sadler [head of rehab] – that in the future I want players with injuries to stay here.
“Hopefully we don’t get long-term injuries, but if we have them in the future I want them to stay.”
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