Manchester United could do with defensive reinforcements following the departures of two veterans in Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, and the Red Devils have been linked with a move for AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka.
The 25-year-old was an ever-present fixture of the Giallorossi backline last term, playing 51 times in all competitions, while helping keep 19 clean sheets.
He was useful up front as well, contributing a goal and two assists. In fact, he was so important for the Giallorossi that he played 90 minutes in all league games, a feat not achieved by any other Roma outfield player since 2004.
Which explains United’s interest in the Ivorian. They are not alone in their admiration, with fierce rivals Arsenal and Newcastle also joining the race.
Roma forced to put Evan Ndicka up for sale
It was earlier claimed that the Serie A side would not sell the former Eintracht Frankfurt defender unless a record offer was submitted.
But Financial Fair Play regulations have hit the Italian side hard, and they need to balance the books this summer, and only a sale which will net them €12-13 million in capital gains can help them avoid any penalties.
As a result, they have reluctantly agreed to the sale of the Ivory Coast international, who is valued at €35 million according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).
Evan Ndicka was signed as a free agent, so the entire operation will count as profit, and now, all Roma can do is wait for offers to start pouring in.
United remain interested
The centre-back has reportedly already turned turned down an approach from Marseille while there has also been an inquiry from Galatasaray.
He seems to waiting for a Premier League side to make their move, but so far, United and their rivals have only adopted a wait-and-watch policy.
INEOS have other priorities, including signing an elite striker. Only after that will they focus on a midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper.
At Ndicka’s current valuation, a move seems unlikely as of now. But maybe should INEOS get player sales spot on, a move could be revisited for the defensive ace in the closing stages of the window.
Feature image Francesco Pecoraro 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
