Transfer Talk: United lead Spurs and Hammers in Disasi race

Manchester United are leading Tottenham and West Ham in the race to land Monaco defender Axel Disasi.

The Daily Mail say the Red Devils are determined to land the 24-year-old centre-back, who was part of the France squad that reached last month’s World Cup final.

But they will have to fight off competition from two Premier League rivals in Champions League-chasing Spurs and the struggling Hammers.

Uncapped heading into the tournament, Disasi made three appearances for his nation in Qatar — playing the full 90 minutes in Les Bleus’ group stage defeat to Tunisia as well as making late cameos against Poland and Argentina.

His call-up to Didier Deschamps’ squad came after a fine string of performances for Monaco, where he has commanded the Ligue 1 outfit’s backline expertly since his 2020 arrival.

Disasi has been an ever-present for his current employers this term, featuring 25 times across all competitions and even captaining the side on five occasions.

He also carries an unusually strong attacking threat for a player in his position, having scored three goals and laid on four assists during an impressive campaign.

Those exploits have earned him a long list of admirers though and a big-money move either this month or in summer looks assured.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils are in scintillating form having won 11 of their last 15 Premier League games but the Dutch tactician is still keen to bolster his squad at both ends of the pitch.

Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain and a move for Disasi could prompt the England international to seek a fresh challenge.

In other news

Another player being tracked by United is Mohammed Kudus, though Ajax will not accept anything less than £40million for the 22-year-old Ghanaian winger, according to the Daily Star.

The Athletic suggest struggling Southampton are looking into the possibility of signing central defender Michael Keane, 29, on loan from Everton.

Marca say Real Madrid are growing increasingly optimistic about beating Liverpool to the signing of 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.