Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United this summer, but the Italian giants are not keen to sell.
The Red Devils are expected to make signings across the backline during the transfer window, with reinforcements likely needed at full-back and in central defence.
It is going to be a busy summer for the recruitment department at Old Trafford, with two central midfielders also wanted and possibly another forward.
After a season with no European football to contend with, Michael Carrick’s squad will need to be beefed up, both with starters and with options off the bench.
The countdown is on
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we’ve got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
Versatile defender Kalulu is on the radar at Old Trafford, reports Corriere dello Sport, primarily known as a centre-back but also capable of playing at right-back.
The 25-year-old has won three caps for France, including two this year, but missed out on Didier Deschamps’ final World Cup squad.
That is no knock on the season he has had at Juventus, though, which saw Kalulu start 49 games for the Old Lady in all competitions, only missing one through suspension.
The Frenchman joined Juve on loan from AC Milan in the summer of 2024 and made the move permanent last year, with the total cost of loan and transfer only amounting to €19million (£16.4m).
He is proving to be a bargain signing and Juventus are keen to tie him down to a new contract, more appropriate for a player they value more highly than the fee they paid for him.
The report from Italy states that negotiations are ongoing to extend his stay beyond the current end date in 2029, but a wage increase has not been agreed.
Manchester United are reportedly waiting in the wings and are hoping to capitalise on Juventus’ finances taking a hit after a disappointing season.
Juve only finished sixth in Serie A, therefore missing out on next season’s Champions League and having to settle for Europa League qualification.
A poor ending to the season, which saw them win just once in their last five Serie A games cost them as they fell just two points short of Como in fourth.
While Juventus do not want to let Kalulu go, their position does mean that a bid of €40million (£34.5m) could twist their arm into doing a deal.
Chief executive Damien Comolli admitted that Juventus will be selling one more player than they hoped to this summer, something he has agreed with owner John Elkann and coach Luciano Spalletti.
‘We will have to sell one more player than we had planned. Both agreed that it makes sense,’ Comolli told la Repubblica.
‘This does not mean we will weaken: every player sold will be replaced by one of equal level, if not higher.’