Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has approved a payment of £23m in the transfer window after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made signing a defender a priority.
The Red Devils have moved relatively slowly in the summer despite several signings touted to move.
Solskjaer has been desperate to land the likes of Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, David Brooks, Gabriel Magalhaes and Dayot Upamecano.
But as of yet, he has just one done deal over the line in the shape of Donny van de Beek.
And while Sancho remains the top target, acquiring a new defender to partner Harry Maguire remains pivotal.
Several have been linked but United’s attention has turned to Monaco star Benoit Badiashile.
The 19-year-old has been touted for a huge future in the game and has been linked with several clubs across Europe.
And according to L’Equipe, Woodward is happy to authorise a payment of £23m for the signing of the teenager.
United are desperately trying to offload defensive trio Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones.
None of them appear to have a future at Old Trafford as Solskjaer looks to become more cutthroat with his players this season.
Badiashile has been chased all summer but to no avail but that now appears to change.
The Red Devils manager has been keen on bringing in the right characters to the club after telling his bosses to act smarter in the transfer window.
