Man Utd monitoring Castello Lukeba

Manchester United have been closely monitoring the progress of 20-year-old centre-back Castello Lukeba, with the intent to make a transfer bid for the Lyon star before the transfer window closes at the end of August. Having emerged through the club's youth academy, Lukeba burst on to the scene in the 2021-22 season for the Ligue 1 outfit and has since retained a place in the club's starting XI, as one of the first names on Lyon's team sheet.

Seen as one of France's brightest defensive prospects, Lukeba wants a move to England to prove himself and the interest of Man Utd is sure to bump up the player's price. Ahead of any acquisition, potential suitors will need to pay at the very least 55 million euros for a player who has already made 58 appearances in France's top flight. Lukeba also has appeared for France's under-21 side on 12 occasions. 

United could sell Harry Maguire this summer, and Eric Bailly is also likely to leave for Saudi Arabia. Leaving two vacant spots in the club's defensive ranks to fill. 

United still have an enormous transfer budget to spend. Lukeba's long-term value could be well past the expected 50+ million euros United will need to spend to sign this prodigious talent.