Man Utd plot transfer 'hijack' for £35m-rated star as contract talks take place

Manchester United could reportedly hijack a rival's summer transfer talks as Michael Carrick's side gear up for a return to the Champions League

Manchester United could reportedly scupper Juventus' contract negotiations with Pierre Kalulu this summer, according to reports in Italy. The French defender is in discussions with the Old Lady over extending his current deal, which runs until 2029.

Corriere Dello Sport claim Manchester United are keen on signing the centre-back, who can also operate at right-back and is valued at around £35million. Kalulu has excelled for Juventus since arriving at the club on loan from AC Milan in 2024.

The Old Lady agreed an option to buy the defender for a reported fee of £12m, which Juventus triggered last summer. United reportedly sent scouts to watch the defender at the San Siro during Juventus' clash with AC Milan.

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Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be monitoring the defender, but Champions League football on offer at United gives them the upper hand.

Juventus also failed to qualify for European football and dismissed Massimiliano Allegri just days after the campaign concluded.

The report claims Juventus are looking to offer Kalulu a fresh deal with enhanced wages, securing his future at the club until at least 2030, with the option of a further year.

United are edging closer to their first summer signing following Michael Carrick's appointment as permanent Old Trafford boss.

The club have secured a £38million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are optimistic about strengthening their midfield options further ahead of their Champions League comeback.

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"As a football club, you want to keep moving forward," Carrick said after the final game of the season. "We certainly as a football club want to keep moving forward.

"I think it's acknowledged we're at this stage, and the dynamics and the balance of the direction we're at, where we've ended up getting to and finishing in the league.

"There's obviously work to do. It's quite obvious, with certain players leaving, there's a bit of work to do."