Manchester United set sights on Algerian Faouzi Ghoulam

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Jan 03, 2018. 12:30

Latest news surrounding the future of Algeria and Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam is that he could join Manchester United for a whopping £53 million.

According to media reports, the left-back has a £53 million release clause and the Italian Serie A giants are on the verge of securing his replacement.

Portuguese publication Record claim Alejandro Grimaldo is the Serie A club’s target and the deal to bring the Benfica star to Italy is near completion.

Napoli are set fork out £26.6 million for Grimaldo’s services and once the full-back puts pen to paper on a five-year deal, Ghoulam will be free to leave the club and join the Red Devils.

United have reportedly been monitoring the French-born Algerian, but have had to fight off competition from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Despite signing a new long-term contract with Napoli at the start of December to extend his current deal to the summer of 2020, he could move to the English Premier League.

It is reported that the long-term deal was a reaction to fend off interest from Liverpool, but City have also been credited with an interest in Ghoulam, who impressed in the UEFA Champions League before getting injured.

United boss Jose Mourinho is currently looking for a new left-back as Ashley Young has occupied the position in a makeshift left-back role this season.