Liverpool advancing for Manchester United centre back target Odilon Kossounou | OneFootball

Liverpool are pushing the hardest to try and sign Manchester United target and Bayer Leverkusen centre back Odilon Kossounou.

After a disappointing campaign defensively where Erik ten Hag’s men were regularly exposed at the highest level, a new defender or two has become paramount to United having a successful summer transfer window.

They have already agreed personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite, expressed their interest to LOSC Lille over Leny Yoro and have been reported to be closely following Matthijs de Ligt at Bayern Munich.

However, as the beginning of July rapidly approaches, no new centre back has come through the doors at Carrington and fans will be growing a little concerned by this fact.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (via TeamTalk) reports that United could also miss out on Kossounou as their arch rivals Liverpool are currently the side most aggressively pushing for the defender as they aim to “steal a march over” the 23 year old.

“Kossounou, who is prominently featured on the Reds’ preseason wish list, is also regarded highly by Man Utd and Newcastle and has drawn interest from the Spanish champions,” Romano says.

Described as “a composed, ball-playing centre-half, Kossounou fits the mould” of what a lot of top level clubs are searching for in a modern centre back.

The Ivorian played 34 games in all competitions in a fantastic season for Leverkusen, scoring one goal in the process.

He is viewed as a more “affordable option” as he could be available for around €45 million this summer in the context of all Premier League clubs being affected by PSR restrictions and the astronomical prices of other defensive options like the £70 million being quoted for the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite.

United have held a long term interest in the centre back as in January it was reported that the club were monitoring his progress with a view to make a move in the summer window.

It was also replayed here last month that the battle for his signature would largely take place between the north-west rivals Liverpool and United.

If Erik ten Hag’s side are to make a move for the player, they ought to do it quickly as the Anfield side have a reputation for being rapid in the transfer market and have stolen players from under United’s nose before, like Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

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