Manchester United Rumors: Red Devils Plotting Massive Transfer Move For 'Defensive Trio'

Manchester United has been linked to Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, Porto left-back Alex Telles and Inter Milan center-back Milan Skriniar for a massive defensive “trio” signing transfer move this summer, reports said.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side seems to have already secured a selection of attacking players in Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. But now, recent reports claimed that the Red Devils have their sights on three well-rounded defensive players. United could be up for a massive transfer move for three of the best defenders in Europe – Oblak, Telles and Skriniar.

While reports have been linking Telles to a Chelsea move for months now, Portuguese sports newspaper Record recently suggested that the Porto left-back may also be open to listening to offers from both Manchester United and Manchester City. The 27-year-old has been eyed by Chelsea as a cheaper alternative to Ben Chilwell, Blues boss Frank Lampard’s top target.

Inter standout Skriniar is another defensive player linked to a move to Old Trafford. Both Manchester clubs are keen on pursuing the 25-year-old center-back like Telles, according to a report from Italian newspaper Tuttosport via Calciomercato.com.

Since arriving from Sampdoria, Skriniar has earned his place as one of Inter’s key players. He has previously been labeled as non-transferable, which simply means Inter is not putting him up for sale. However, this has not stopped Man United, Man City and even Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain from showing interest.

United is also considering Oblak as a top defensive prospect this summer, The Sun exclusively reported. The Premier League contenders reportedly want to be “kept in the loop” on the Atletico Madrid star’s situation.

However, the Red Devils are likely to have competition in its pursuit of the Slovenian superstar as Chelsea may also be keen on adding Oblak into its squad. Lampard has apparently been unhappy with record-setting signing Kepa Arrizabalaga and was tipped to make a move for Oblak this summer.

Reports have also emerged that Solskjaer has been losing faith in David de Gea, and Oblak presents a strong case as possible replacement.

But just like any other superstar, Oblak will not come with a cheap price tag. His release clause currently stands at a staggering €120 million ($139.8 million). However, it has been suggested that given Atletico’s financial situation due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Spanish side may consider accepting offers significantly lower than this massive fee.