Manchester United ‘eyeing up move for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero’ as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘makes signing a new centre-back a summer priority’ once the window reopens
- Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Cristian Romero
- The defender has enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Atalanta from Juve
- United will be searching for a new centre-back to partner Maguire in defence
- Lille’s Sven Botman and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde are also on United’s wishlist
- However, a move for Romero is seemingly high on the agenda for the Red Devils
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Atalanta defender Cristian Romero when the summer transfer window opens.
The Argentine centre-back has had a terrific season on loan at Atalanta from Juventus and now makes up a three-man shortlist of targets for the Red Devils.
According to Sky Sports, United have made signing a new centre-back their summer priority and Romero fits the bill, given his age and ability.
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero
The report goes on to claim that Lille’s Sven Botman and Sevilla defender Jules Kounde are also on United’s wishlist but it is Romero who is their main target.
Following a superb season under Gian Piero Gasperini at the Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta are expected to pay their obligation to buy fee of £21.5million (€25m) to make his move permanent but would then be open to selling him on for a higher fee.
Sky Sports report that Atalanta would be open to selling Romero on for a fee in the region of £34m (€40m) if clubs showed interest in the player.
Lille’s Sven Botman (left) and Sevilla star Jules Kounde (right) are also on United’s wishlist
United could be one of those clubs to do so, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now turning his attention to improving his defence and midfield after Edinson Cavani extended his United deal by another year earlier this week.
With Cavani staying put, a move for a centre-forward is reportedly highly unlikely, which will see United wait another year despite being linked with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
United legend Rio Ferdinand believes strengthening the backline is imperative, given how impressive his former side can be going forward.
‘I think Manchester United’s prime position for them to strengthen, to really improve and become a team who can compete is centre-back,’ Ferdinand told BT Sport after the 2-1 defeat to Leicester on Tuesday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly wants a new centre-back to partner Maguire in defence
‘To get a partner for Harry Maguire who you go, actually every week he produces, he’s there.
‘At the moment there’s too many players centre-forwards especially who probably are looking when they get in the tunnel and are thinking, “I’ve got a chance here. I think I can smell a chance.’
Romero has made 39 appearances for Atalanta in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and creating five more, which has left the club in second in Serie A.
