Manchester United could swoop for SK Brann’s Eivind Helland with Ruben Amorim short of numbers at the back.
Jonny Evans retired and is now head of loans at the club, while Victor Lindelof left on a free. Lisandro Martinez is yet to regain fitness after his ACL tear last season and might be shifted to a new position.
Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw’s injury record are not that great, and a low-cost centre-back acquisition actually makes a world of sense.
Described as a “great talent”, Helland has shone in the Eliteserien this term, with his club in second place in the league table after 15 games.
Helland offer incoming
The Red Devils have been scouting him for sometime, and were impressed with his display in the recent game against Viking FK.
In 18 appearances so far this season, the 20-year-old has helped keep four clean sheets, while registering an assist as well.
The 20-year-old could be available for as low as £7 million, with INEOS always on the lookout for the next superstar-in-the-making. They spent a similar amount on Diego Leon recently.
As per Givemesport, “Manchester United are showing genuine interest in signing Helland, according to GMS sources, and influential figures behind the scenes are trying to decide whether he is ready to complete an eye-catching move to the Premier League after showcasing plenty of promise in the early stages of his career.
“The Norway under-21 international is capable of playing at the heart of the backline or right-back, highlighting his versatility, and the Red Devils have discovered that a bid in the region of £7million would be enough to persuade Brann to sanction his departure ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.”
Only £7 million could get the job done
The defender can play both in the heart of the backline as well as a right-back. His strengths include composure under pressure and his decision-making with the ball at his feet, two skills which will be an asset for United.
The only issue is whether his skills will translate in the cut-throat environment of Premier League football. But if the recruitment team are sure, then the club have very little to lose from such a low-cost investment opportunity.
The player is calm, despite the recent persistent links and his club are also keen not to lose him so soon. However, his contract expires next summer, which could force their hand.
Whether United swoop for the 6ft 3in monster remains to be seen. United are expected to focus on player sales now, before resuming their search for a striker.
Only after that will midfield and defensive reinforcements be looked at.
Feature image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
