Manchester United and Liverpool ready to sign versatile defender in January

Manchester United and Liverpool have been in the picture for Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu and are evaluating a January move for him.

The defender has established himself as a regular at right-back under Luciano Spalletti. He impressed last season and while he’s made a shaky start to this campaign, his spot in the starting line-up isn’t under question.

Sport Witness have been tracking his situation, with English clubs already in the hunt for his signature.

The Frenchman’s situation is gaining traction, with Manchester United and Liverpool very much in the race.

Juve alert to scenario

TuttoJuve report that Juve are ‘keen to anticipate’ any offers that arrive for the Frenchman. They are calm about the situation, with Kalulu’s current deal running out in the summer of 2029.

But interest from Manchester United and Liverpool is growing. The two clubs are considering the possibility of a January move. At the same time, Juve want to extend his contract until beyond 2029.

The outlet note that whilst Kalulu made an error against Sassuolo, his reliability isn’t under question. Spalletti still trusts him for the right-back role and is keen to keep him beyond January.

Our take: Decision could come down to player

Juve are trying to stand firm but the realities of Italian football mean they could be forced to make a sale. The player’s prominence is clearly growing and if English clubs make the right offers, an exit is possible.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool need defensive additions soon too. Andoni Iraola’s side were short of options at the back in the summer. The Red Devils have seen Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt face injury worries in the last two campaigns and this can also force them into signing a defensive cover too.

Kalulu’s versatility will come in handy, as he can easily slot in at centre-back and left-back. This will make a key defensive signing for any major club.