Man Utd 'prepare £34m deal for Roma defender Manolas'.

Man Utd 'prepare £34m deal for Roma defender Manolas'

It's no secret that Manchester United need a centre-half - and Roma's experienced defender Kostas Manolas fits the bill.

The Greece international has grown into one of Europe's leading centre backs since joining the Serie A club from Olympiakos four years ago.

Chelsea were ready to activate his £34million release clause, according to reports in Italy, while Arsenal were also keen.



But United seem to keen to steal a march and activate that clause, report Tutto Mercato Web.

The 27-year-old has been with the Rome side for over four years and has established himself as one of the most reliable centre-halves in the Serie A.

After making nearly 200 appearances he is seen to be entering the peak of his career - and is seen as a safer bet that Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly.



Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is believed to be an admirer of Manolas from his time in charge of Napoli, while Arsenal also retained an interest.

Manchester United have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld, Leicester's Harry Maguire and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly.

However with his release clause, Manolas may represent better value than all of them.