Manchester United and Liverpool to face off for Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou | OneFootball

Manchester United are expecting a busy summer with INEOS taking control of their first transfer window since taking charge of the sporting affairs of the club.

The Red Devils will be in the market for new additions to their squad which has underperformed badly this year.

United have looked well short in defence and bolstering options in the back line will be imperative before the new season.

One man linked with a move to Old Trafford is Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Odilon Kossounou, according to Spanish media.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the most talented young defenders in the Bundesliga as Xabi Alonso’s men romped to the league title without losing a game.

The Ivorian had 33 starts across all competitions and has two huge games remaining with Leverkusen vying for a historic Treble.

The Europa League final against Atalanta on Wednesday, is followed by the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern at the weekend and victory in both would rubber stamp one of the most incredible campaigns in football history.

United’s lack of stability in defence has plagued them throughout the season and Kossounou would add pace and strength to Erik ten Hag’s squad.

However, United aren’t the only team interested in Kossounou’s services with Liverpool also eyeing up a move.

Fichajes have claimed that the Merseyside club are willing to splash up to €60 million to snatch the player away from their old rivals.

Liverpool can offer Kossounou Champions League football, something United cannot offer having finished eighth in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation but with Kossounou’s contract expiring in 2026, Leverkusen can demand a high price for a prized asset.

United’s worst-ever league finish has heaped the pressure on Ten Hag who will be hoping INEOS grant him the benefit of the doubt after an injury-ravaged campaign and allow him to continue his work at Old Trafford.

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