MANCHESTER UNITED are fighting Real Madrid in the battle to land Mohammed Salisu, according to reports.
The 20-year-old Ghana star is currently having a brilliant season in central defence for Real Valladolid.
And Atletico Madrid have also registered there interest in the La Liga star, who came through the academy at his current club.
Valladolid sit 15th in the table but Salisu has been their standout performer and won praise for his solid performances at the back in his 23 appearances.
Real Madrid are said to be willing to offer 10.1m for him and they could have the upper edge over United given the close relationship between Real president Florentino Perez and his Valladolid counterpart, the legendary Ronaldo.
And SportsFinding claim buying Salisu would fit into Real’s current modus operandi of nurturing young talent at little cost.
They use the examples of Marcos Asensio, Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard to back that up.
And they add that Sergio Ramos, 33, and Nacho, 30, are in the twilight of their careers.
But given that he is available at such a low cost, it’s highly likely a big bidding war could kick off for Salisu.
United – who are plotting a 160m double move for James Maddison and Jack Grealish – could do with cover at centre-back even though the pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof now looks pretty solid.
Diego Simeone is said to have a keen interest too because Salisu matches exactly the type of player he wants.
Salisu has been given just two yellows this season, scored a goal, provided an assist and committed just 17 fouls – one every 118 minutes.
Salisu is under contract at Valladolid until 2022 and has also attracted interest from Valencia and Getafe.
