Manchester United are willing to sign Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez to further sure up their defence which has been criticised since forever.
The highly-rated 22-year-old has made 12 appearances for World Cup-winners France this year. His versatility – Lucas can play at left-back and central defence – has made him all the more desirable for United. Atletico offered the defender a new contract in June which he signed, keeping him tied to the club until 2024.
The La Liga outfit bumped his release clause up to £72m at the same time in an attempt to put off potential suitors. But according to France Football, both Real Madrid and Manchester United have not been put off by the increase. Mourinho was furious when executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward refused to cough up the funds to sign either Leicester City’s Harry Maguire or Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld during the transfer window.
However the Red Devils’ mixed start to the new Premier League season means a January splurge on new recruits remains a real possibility. Lucas is reportedly happy at the Wanda Metropolitano, but a move to Old Trafford or the Bernabeu would be hard to turn down. “Atletico Madrid are the club of my life,” he revealed. “They’ve given me everything and I’m very happy with my renewal because it was what I wanted most. They’ve always trusted me, since I came into the youth team and gambled on me, I’m very grateful.”
“For me it’s an honour to have been part of our academy and have made it to the first team, with the club gambling on me like that. “I can’t do anything else than thank them for their trust and pay them back on the pitch.”
Author’s Take:
Not sure if he will be an upgrade to Luke Shaw at United, but since he has worked under Simeone for quite some time, he will be an upgrade to shaw on the defensive side. Plus, he will be definitely be an upgrade on the likes of Smalling and Jones. Also, he’s just 22 and the fact that he has atleast 10 years more in his career, £72 million might look like money well spent after sometime.
