From France: Man Utd now eyeing 'phenomenal' gem with Varane-like traits - report

Manchester United are interested in Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, according to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness). 

Signed for £36.5million from Ligue 1 outfit St Etienne as a 19-year-old in 2020 (The Guardian), Fofana has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in the Premier League.

Now 21, the talented young centre-back made 28 English top-flight appearances in his debut campaign before suffering a horrific leg break during pre-season last summer, ruling the Frenchman out for six months.

Having made a successful comeback against the Red Devils in February and ending the campaign by making three consecutive starts for Brendan Rodgers’ side, Fofana could be at the centre of a gigantic transfer tussle over the coming months.

As per RMC Sport, translated by SW, Manchester United and Chelsea are both ‘closely interested’ in the France Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that Leicester are ‘counting’ on the three-cap ace but could be persuaded into sanctioning a sale should offers of ‘at least €80million (£68million)’ be forthcoming.

Under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2027 (Transfermarkt), the Old Trafford hierarchy would likely have to meet the demands in order to land the defender once hailed for a ‘phenomenal’ display in which he dominated Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

No strangers to paying big money for a centre-back from Leicester City, spending the mooted lofty asking price for Fofana would be a smart piece of business from Manchester United as Erik ten Hag attempts to fix what was a leaky backline at times during 2021/22.

Still not the finished article given his tender years, the talented Frenchman ended the recent season earning an impressive 6.97 Sofascore rating from just seven