Manchester United are monitoring Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Odilon Kossounou as the club consider targets for the summer transfer window.
Erik ten Hag is planning a revamp of his defensive options at the end of the season and Kossounou’s impressive campaign for Leverkusen has placed him on the Red Devils’ radar.
The 23-year-old has shone for a Leverkusen team who are top of the Bundesliga and unbeaten this season under Xabi Alonso, as Die Schwarzroten eye a maiden German top-flight title.
Sky Germany are reporting that Kossounou is on Manchester United’s ‘extended list’ of targets and while not a focus, is a player the club’s recruitment team are tracking.
Kossounou is currently representing the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, as The Elephants look to win the tournament for a third time on home soil.
The defender signed for Leverkusen in a €23m deal from Club Brugge in 2022 and has since made 68 appearances in all competitions for the German side.
He ranks among the top 10 per cent of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 12 months for progressive passes, progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
United’s search for a centre-back comes amid doubts over the long-term futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane at Old Trafford. The club also signed veteran Jonny Evans on a short-term deal last summer to add defensive depth.
