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Man United face competition from London duo in the race for 20-year-old rising Serie A star

Marash Kumbulla

Manchester United to battle Chelsea, Tottenham for Marash Kumbulla

According to Italian publication L’Arena (h/t The Sun), Manchester United will have to face competition from arch-rivals Chelsea and Tottenham for the signing of Hellas Verona star Marash Kumbulla.

The 20-year-old Kumbulla came through the youth ranks at Verona before making his first-team debut in the 2018/19 campaign.

However, the Albanian defender became a regular only in the 2019/20 season, playing a key role as Verona finished ninth in the Serie A. Kumbulla featured 25 times in the league.

Marash Kumbulla impressed in his debut Serie A campaign (Getty Images)
Marash Kumbulla impressed in his debut Serie A campaign (Getty Images)

The Albanian defender’s impressive performances have put him on the radars of Manchester United, as well as Chelsea. And now, Tottenham Hotspur, too, have entered the race, further intensifying the competition for the 20-year-old. (h/t The Sun)

Manchester United, at the moment, have a stockpile of centre-backs. However, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are all not a part of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.

With Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe struggling with injuries and Victor Lindelof not entirely convincing enough, securing another centre-back would be a smart move by the club.

Kumbulla, despite his lack of experience at the highest level, looks the part. Young and full of potential, he has the physicality to cope with English football, while he can only get better with age.

Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo could join Chris Smalling in leaving Manchester United this summer
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo could join Chris Smalling in leaving Manchester United this summer

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However, given the number of clubs interested in the Albanian, it will not be easy to snap up his transfer.

It has been slow going in the market for United this summer. With not much time left, the club needs to ramp up the activity or risk being left behind by our rivals.

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