Jose Mourinho closing in on Manchester United's first January signing for £53m

shoot.co.uk

Jan 2, 2018 6:44 PM

Manchester United have been reportedly boosted in their pursuit of Algeria international defender Faouzi Ghoulam, according to Record.

The Premier League side, who defeated Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park on New Year’s Day, have been strongly linked with luring the Napoli left-back to Old Trafford during this month’s transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who has 35 international caps for his country, has scored two goals and provided five assists in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit so far this season.

Ghoulam, who joined the Italian side back in 2014 following his move from French club AS Saint-Etienne, has registered 25 assists in 153 games overall for Napoli, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Marlos in action with Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam.

The report suggests the club will allow the full-back to depart the Stadio San Paolo in January, as they are already closing in on his replacement, Benfica defender Alejandro Grimaldo for around £26.6m.

Ghoulam, who tore his cruciate knee ligament in November, has a release clause worth £53m.