Manchester United are lining up Fulham defender Calvin Bassey as a target for the January transfer window, according to reports. The club are expected to be active in the winter market after appointing Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.
Pochettino takes over a side that has won just one of its 10 Premier League matches this season. The Red Devils have slipped into the relegation zone after conceding 19 goals in those games, making defensive reinforcements a priority.
Defensive struggles prompt January plans
The Telegraph reports that Bassey is one player of interest to United. The 26-year-old Nigeria international has impressed for Fulham this season and is viewed as a strong option, with his pace and power seen as valuable assets.
Bassey is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage, which could encourage Fulham to sell mid-season for a premium fee. The London club hold an option to extend his stay for a further year.
Praise from Fulham boss
Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has spoken highly of Bassey and wants to keep the former Ajax and Rangers player. "Calvin is one of the best defenders in the Premier League," Arbeloa said recently. "He plays at a high level with and without the ball. He is doing so well."
Gary Neville has also highlighted United's need for new defenders following last week's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. Speaking on NBC Sports, Neville said: "The reason Manchester United have conceded four goals is because they haven't invested in the defence in the transfer window. Every one knew they had to do that, they needed defenders. The current ones are making mistake after mistake after mistake."
Neville added: "The defenders that finished that game will get you relegated. Watch the defensive errors… we all screamed in the transfer window that they have to bring some defenders in. They had to bring the transfer budget forward and bring defenders in."
