Manchester United interested in £20m-rated Turkish teenager

Manchester United have widened their search for a new centre-back to Turkey after earmarking Galatasaray teenager Ozan Kabak as a transfer target, claims The Sun.

Jose Mourinho has made signing a new centre-back a top priority in January but is at odds with the United board over the profile of the defender.

While Mourinho wants to sign an experienced centre-back like Toby Alderweireld, chief executive Ed Woodward would prefer to sign a player United can count on for the years to come.

Kabak, 18, is enjoying a thoroughly impressive campaign for Galatasaray and would certainly be able to cope with the weight of expectation given the pedigree and pressure at the Turkish giants.

The teenage centre-back has particularly impressed during his three Champions League appearances, earning the WhoScored Man of the Match award on his European debut.

While Galatasaray are hoping to command in the region of £20m for Kabak’s services, there are reports suggesting he has a release clause of just £7m for clubs outside of Turkey.

Galatasaray are understandably keen to extend Kabak’s contract and increase his release clause but it only looks a matter of time before one of Europe’s top clubs come calling for his signature.

Only Borussia Dortmund ace Abdou Diallo (7.62) has a higher WhoScored rating than Kabak (7.52) of all centre-backs in the Champions League this season.