Manchester United reportedly interested in Italian defender

Wikimedia - Ian Mcallister

Manchester United are keen to sign Atalanta centre-back Mattia Caldara, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The report claims the United scouts watched Caldara in action for the Bergamo side against AS Roma last weekend and saw the young defender score in the 62nd minute.

However, the Red Devils could face stiff competition for the talented defender’s signature, as Juventus, Napoli, Chelsea and Arsenal are all believed to be interested in his services.

The 22-year-old, who signed a new 5-year deal with Atalanta last July, has been in fantastic form for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season and it seems like his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

Atalanta have won their last 5 Serie A games and are currently sitting fifth in the table, only one point behind the Champions League places.

Caldara’s impressive displays are one of the reasons behind Atalanta’s recent success and the ambitious Serie A side could face a battle to retain the defender’s services.

Given Manchester United’s defensive struggles since the start of the season, Caldara would be a welcome addition to the squad.

He’s one of the best Serie A players right now, but it appears as though he could find himself at Old Trafford as early as January.