United leading race for “outstanding” Serie A monster as INEOS plot ruthless upgrade on £80m star – report

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to jump the growing queue for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu as Christopher Vivell looks to pull off a “real coup” for the Red Devils. Defensive Reinforcements United are understood to be considering reinforcements in central defence as the future of Harry Maguire is increasingly uncertain. The 32-year-old Englishman’s contract expires at the end of the season, with talks over an extension yet to bear fruit, given INEOS’s aversion to signing ageing players on expensive deals. Maguire is willing to take a pay cut to stay at Old Trafford, further strengthening the case for a renewal, while caretaker boss Michael Carrick is a huge fan of the experienced defender. United’s hierarchy are also mindful of the loss of an important leader in an increasingly young dressing room, as Casemiro will also be departing at the end of the campaign. However, if Maguire is to depart, the club have already lined up a replacement in the form of Kalulu, Juventus’ 25-year-old defender. TEAMtalk  reveals the France international, who made his debut for his country last summer, is earning “rave reviews” in Serie A after an impressive year for the Old Lady. This has led Kalulu to become a “major target” for a host of Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. But the report relays an update from Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale which reveals it’s the Red Devils who are “leading” the race for the French colossus. United at the front of the queue Kalulu is pushing to be a part of the French squad for the World Cup this summer after not being called up by Didier Deschamps for the last international break. If the 25-year-old is “able to force his way” back into the fold for Les Bleus, TEAMtalk  contends he will be aiming to put himself in the shop window at the tournament. “If he is able to force his way in for the showpiece tournament in North America, Kalulu will be looking to use it as a springboard to showcase his talents ahead of a potential summer switch to England, even if he currently has ‘no desire to leave’ Juventus. “Money talks, however, and journalist Di Natale reports that United are leading the likes of Spurs, Villa and Newcastle in the race to sign Kalulu, in what would be considered a real coup for Old Trafford director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.” One of the key attributes which makes Kalulu such an attractive option is his versatility. He is a centre-back by trade, but has also played as a right-back and wing-back in Turin. As such, led by Vivell, United view Kalulu as a “long-term option at the heart of the defence” as INEOS prepare to “step up their summer interest” in the Serie A star.  But Juventus are in a strong negotiating position as his contract runs until 2029, meaning his suitors in England will have little leverage to strike a bargain deal. Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.