Manchester United are in advanced negotiations over the signing Fulham right-back Kevin Mbabu, according to a new report.
The Red Devils were linked with a move for Mbabu by Fussball Info back in June 2018, during the Jose Mourinho era, with it being alleged that the former United boss saw him as a replacement for Matteo Darmian. (via the Express)
While a move did not transpire, with the right-back instead going on to make 82 appearances for Wolfsburg, it has now emerged that Erik ten Hag has set his sights on the Switzerland international, despite already having Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
According to a report from TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), both United and AC Monza have identified the 27-year-old as a target in the January window.
It is stated that the former Newcastle man is close to a move to Old Trafford, indicating that the Red Devils are winning the race, with the talks said to be at an advanced stage.
TIF thoughts on Mbabu to Manchester United…
In truth, the £70k-per-week earner potentially going to Man United is a real surprise, given that he has failed to break into the Fulham team on a regular occurrence this season, however there are some signs that he could be a good addition.
Hailed as ‘superb’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the full-back has remarkable dribbling ability, as indicated by completing an average of 1.9 dribbles per 90 in the past year, in the 97th percentile compared to his positional peers.
Mbabu also ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions and 97th percentile for blocks, showcasing his defensive aptitude, however given that Aaron Wan-Bissaka has recently come into form, with Fabrizio Romano claiming Ten Hag is now ‘happy’ with the Englishman, it would be a very unusual signing.