MANCHESTER UNITED has allegedly entered the competition to sign RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

United manager Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his squad in January, with a new defender being his first priority.

Man Utd have joined the race to sign Gvardiol from RB Leipzig Credit: Getty

According to Foot Mercato, Gvardiol is his first priority.

It is believed that Manchester United have already placed a proposal of approximately £77 million for the Croatian international, although they face heavy competition from Manchester City and Chelsea.

While Chelsea is also rᴜmσᴜred to have submitted a £77 million bid for the defender, Man City has submitted an offer worth over £86 million including bonuses.

Numerous clubs are competing for Gvardiol’s signature, making him one of the most coveted defenders in Europe.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly indicated interest in signing him, while Bayern Munich will meet with his agency.

However, Gvardiol reportedly desires a move to the Premier League.

During this year’s World Cup, the 20-year-old has been a standout for Croatia.

This week, he garnered heaps of accolades for his performance against Brazil, for which he was instrumental in enabling Zlatko Dalic’s team advance to the tournament’s semifinals.

Man United could find Vidic heir in Kim Min-jae

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, having previously passed up the opportunity to sign the South Korean international.

The Red Devils have’renewed their interest’ in the 26-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, according to the Mirror, after apparently passing up the opportunity to recruit the centre-back for for £3m 18 months ago.

Due to a release clause in his current deal at Naples, the 6 foot 3 rock may now command a cost in the region of £38 million, despite just joining the Serie A team for £16 million over the summer.

According to the article, the player is ‘interested’ in moving to the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag and co presumably scheming a new addition at the heart of the backline amid reports that club captain Harry Maguire could be allowed to leave.

The former Fenerbahce man has gained broader attention this season as a result of his rock-solid performances for Luciano Spalletti’s side, propelling his new team to an eight-point lead at the top of the table after allowing just 12 times in 15 league games.

The imposing “monster,” as he is known, has also shone on the international scene in recent weeks, helping his team reach the last 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, winning 91% of his aerial duels and 100% of his ground duels while averaging 2.7 clearances per game.

Such strong performances have further boosted Kim’s already burgeoning reputation, with the Korean defender taking a no-nonsense, old-school style to defence, earning him the nickname “iron barrel” from colleague Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who also called him “one of the finest in the world.”

Bringing such an aggressive and full-blooded asset to Old Trafford might see United finally find an heir to Nemanja Vidic, who was previously the enormous presence in defence in the not-too-distant past.

The Serbian great, who made 300 appearances at the Theatre of Dreams, was highly praised by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his love of a contest and a battle, with the legendary Scotsman previously stating:

“He relished the challenge of poking his head inside. “You could tell he was energised by the prospect of competing for those 50-50 balls.”

The now-retired colossus was a really central character in the side for nearly eight years, playing a vital role in a team that reached three Champions League finals in the space of four seasons, and was described by Ryan Giggs as “perhaps the best defender” that the Welshman played alongside.

Like Kim, who is in the top 10% of players in Europe for non-penalty goals, the 41-year-old was a dangerous threat at the opposite end of the pitch during his time in Manchester, scoring 21 times.

The merciless ace, a cult figure among United supporters, has no doubt proven a difficult act to follow in recent years, but United may have finally discovered his long-awaited replacement in the form of the Korean phenomenon.