Pranav Nair
Manchester United interested in Hakan Calhanoglu
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t MEN), Manchester United are interested in AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Turkish international is in the final year of his contract and could be secured on a free next summer. The Red Devils are keen to offer him a five-year deal to entice him to the Theatre of Dreams.
The 26-year-old moved to Milan in 2017 after making a name for himself in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Despite a few moments of brilliance, he has failed to impress at the San Siro.
With his future uncertain, he could seek a fresh challenge if he so desired at the end of the season. Clubs are free to negotiate a pre-contract with the player in January.
It is not the first time United have been linked with the player. In fact, earlier in the summer, he was seen as a viable backup to star midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The 26-year-old had earlier garnered attention from Bundesliga pair RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin. Whether the duo will provide competition for his signature remains to be seen.
While it is debatable if the Turk can slot into our first XI, he is definitely a more than decent option off the bench.
Add to it his set-piece prowess, he could be a real weapon in our arsenal. His ability to strike a knuckleball is reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo and Juninho Pernambucano.
Alex Telles has already shown he has an aptitude for taking corners. With Calhanoglu also on dead-ball duty, we can hurt the opposition in more ways than one.
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The 26-year-old is an extremely versatile player capable of playing in a plethora of positions in the midfield and attack. He will also give Solskjaer the chance to deploy him in a variety of positions when the need arises.
Obtaining his services on a free is nothing to sniff at. Whether we indeed make a move for him remains to be seen.
