Manchester United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer. The Premier League club may be able to secure a favourable deal as Juventus are under pressure to sell the Frenchman to fund their own transfer plans.
United's midfield priorities
United have been keen to strengthen their midfield even before Casemiro's departure at the end of the season. Manager Michael Carrick is already set to have Brazil star Ederson at his disposal, but is looking to further bolster his squad ahead of a Champions League campaign. The club have already missed out on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, as both transfers exceeded the price Old Trafford chiefs were willing to pay.
Juventus' transfer plans
Juventus are keen to land free agent Franck Kessie after the Ivory Coast midfielder ran down his contract with Al-Ahli. According to reports in Italy, Juventus have already offered a three-year contract worth £4.2 million to the former Barcelona and AC Milan star. Kessie admitted that a move to Juventus is under discussion, saying: "Juventus? Yes, they're talking about it, I've seen it. I'm a great signing. In form, at the World Cup, and above all, a free agent, it's hard to ask for more! That's why so many want me, and they're right. My agent is working, I'm getting a lot of calls, and I repeat, it's normal: I'd take him too in these physical and financial conditions..."
To accommodate Kessie and raise funds for further additions, Juventus have deemed Thuram available for sale. The Italian side are also looking to add Napoli's veteran defensive midfielder Stanislav Lobotka. Juventus are said to be 'working hard' to find a move for Thuram, with Nottingham Forest and Liverpool also credited with interest.
Transfer fee and competition
Juventus' initial asking price of £42.9 million appears to be more than what clubs are willing to pay at the moment. However, it has been suggested that an offer worth between £34.7 million and £39 million could be enough to secure a deal. Thuram is one of several players Juventus are open to selling this summer, along with Andrea Cambiaso and Gleison Bremer. As Juventus progress with their own signings, they may need to accept a lesser fee in the coming weeks to facilitate Thuram's departure.
Manchester United will be encouraged by the prospect of negotiating a discount for the 23-year-old midfielder, who has been a key target for the club. With Carrick looking to add depth and quality to his midfield options ahead of the new season, Thuram's arrival could provide a significant boost to United's ambitions.
