Louis van Gaal is leaving no stone unturned in trying to shore up Manchester United’s defence next season. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng is on the radar of the Red Devils.
The German international, who was instrumental in his national side’s World Cup win last year in Brazil, will be difficult to lure away from the Allianz Arena. But such is Man United’s intent in signing a top-quality defender that they could well make an irrefusable offer to the reigning Bundesliga winners. It remains unclear how much he will cost.
Boateng has earlier on in his career played in the Premier League, with United’s fierce rivals and neighbours Man City. He only spent one season at Eastlands though, and was sold back to Germany after a season laden with injuries.
A versatile defender, the 26 year-old can also play at left-back. He may not be the best in the world by any stretch of the imagination, but Van Gaal will feel that he surely is an upgrade on Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. He will also bring in a lot of experience, both at facing the best players in the world as well at winning trophies.
Van Gaal is also targeting Stefan de Vrij from Lazio, a player he tried to sign last summer as well. He was at the time a Feyenoord player, and chose to join the Serie A instead when a move to the Premier League fell through. But after a campaign that saw United finish 4th, well adrift of champions Chelsea, the Dutchman is expected to mount a more serious bid to land his compatriot at Old Trafford.
Jerome’s brother Kevin Prince Boateng is also set for a move after being released by his Schalke midway through his contract at the club. He looks set for a return to his former employers AC Milan.
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