Manchester United are reportedly interested in VfB Stuttgart central defender Ozan Kabak this summer. If the reports are true, it would suggest that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested in strengthening the defence this summer, not only ar right-back. This does not look like a clean-cut transfer though as there is a lot of interest.

Stuttgart ended up being relegated last season and the 19-year-old Turkish defender has a €15 million release clause as part of his contract. Bayern Munich is interested in the player and reports suggest they could be the destination for Kabak. However, they have only held talks with Stuttgart for the player. United, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan and West Ham United also retain an interest in the player.

There have been reports coming from all over Europe which claims United’s interest in the player, however, there is a feeling that it could just be to ensure a quick decision is made and that the clubs actually interested in the player pay the money and get the deal across the line. If United is interested in the player, it could well be a timely deal, based on the clubs dithering in the transfer market so far.

Kabak is contracted with Stuttgart until the summer of 2024 but because of their relegation, as long as his release clause is met and the player has the desire to leave the German club, he can go. He only signed for the club, leaving Galatasaray, in January 2019. Last season, he played 17 times for the German club, scoring three goals. He also played 19 times for Galatasaray.

The 19-year-old can play at centre-back or in defensive midfield, which will be a bonus for the buying club, although he will probably play the majority of matches at centre-back. Bayern will be looking to replace Mats Hummels, who returned to Borussia Dortmund this summer, so for that reason could be in the driving seat. United are not said to be seeking to strengthen the central defence, or at least it has not been reported – but who knows?

Kabak is a player who is growing in stature and is available for a fee, which considering his age, would demonstrate good value in the market, especially is he grows in stature to a level which would consider him to be a world class defender inside the next few years. Solskjaer has seemingly changed the way the club is approaching the transfer window this summer with young talented players being sought. Could Kabak become a United player? Reports suggest the club is ‘close’ to the player, however, not every report is truthful. Watch this space.