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Manchester United’s 22-year-old midfield target labelled ‘priority’ signing for PL rivals

Manchester United are leading the race for Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara.
Manchester United are leading the race for Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara.

Transfer Update: Newcastle United prioritizing January move for Marseille star Boubacar Kamara amidst Manchester United interest

According to the Daily Mirror (h/t The Express), Manchester United could be handed a blow in the race to sign Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara as Newcastle United have labelled him a priority signing in January.

The central midfielder has been incredible for the French club this season and has helped them keep the stingiest defence in the league by conceding the least goals. However, he is out of contract in the summer and has shown no intentions of signing an extension anytime soon.

Man United are interested in securing a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman but prefer to sign him in the summer once his contract expires. Newcastle United are now ready to pip us in the race by trying to seal a deal for him in January. The Toon Army were interested in signing him in the summer itself on a £2.2million loan fee with an option to buy for £12.9million.

Manchester United prefer to sign Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer in the summer. (imago Images)
Manchester United prefer to sign Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer in the summer. (imago Images)

That move never panned out, but they are ready to try again in January. The Toon Army have already agreed on a fee for Kieran Trippier and are now eyeing a defensive midfielder, with Kamara labelled a priority. They too prefer to sign him as a free agent this month, but it has been touted that they might have to cough up a £10million fee to sign him in January. 

It is also important to note that AS Roma are also vying for the player’s signature, according to La Republicca (h/t The Express).

Could we still sign Kamara?

Newcastle may want to resolve their defensive issues soon, but we have our own problems. The midfield has looked lacklustre since the arrival of Ralf Rangnick. Fred and Scott McTominay looked encouraging in the opening two games but produced a shocking performance against the Toon Army towards the end of 2021.

Fred has not started in the two games since then while McTominay has produced a man of the match performance in one game while being completely overrun in the other. Nemanja Matic, too, is ageing and he seems like he is on the wane, which is natural considering his long career.

Newcastle United are prioritizing a January deal for Boubacar Kamara. (imago Images)
Newcastle United are prioritizing a January deal for Boubacar Kamara. (imago Images)

Paul Pogba is out with injury and could leave as a free agent in the summer. Thus, signing Kamara is just as important to us. Moreover, a £10million fee is perhaps a reasonable amount if Marseille wish to secure a cut-price deal for their prized asset this month. 

One would hope Man United feel the same way since Newcastle are a financial powerhouse and could lure the player by offering massive wages. The Toon Army is, however, in a relegation race. The Red Devils, on the other hand, are competing in the Top 4 race and are still in the Champions League. 

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Regardless, the Old Trafford outfit need to get a jump ahead of things and seal a move for the player in January rather than waiting till the summer. Alternatively, we could always get him to sign a pre-contract this month, which would see him join us as a free agent next season.

It is always good to future-proof our team but what Kamara would do is offer a short-term option as well, if and when Rangnick needs him to play in our starting XI. He has plenty of experience in France and a potential move to Old Trafford could well be the next step for his career.

Written by Varun Pai

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