Manchester United are reportedly ready to trigger the £32m release clause of Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas.
United are understood to be in the market for defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window, having failed in their pursuit of a number of targets last summer.
The likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Toby Alderweireld are among the players to have been linked with the 20-time champions of England, but Gazzetta dello Sport reports that their main focus is currently on Manolas.
The 27-year-old has a release clause of £32m in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico, and United are thought to be lining up a bid which would trigger that.
However, the clause only becomes active during the summer, meaning that United will have to wait until the end of the season to sign Manolas even if they are able to agree a fee this month.
Manolas has previously hinted that he would be open to joining the Red Devils, who see Manolas as a cheaper alternative to Napoli's Koulibaly.
Barney Corkhill
