CB Finally? Manchester United Set To Sign 6ft 2" POWERFUL CB

As if the impasse in negotiations for their targets for the defence is not enough, Manchester United have received another blow in their pursuit of one of their defensive targets this summer.

According to talkSPORT who cite “reports in Italy”, AC Milan defender Gabriel Paletta is set to remain in the Serie A with a move to Atalanta on the cards.

The media outlet go on to say Paletta, once of Liverpool, was a United target before leaving Parma for Milan in February. While in the Premier League, the 29-year made only three league appearances for the Anfield club during 18 turbulent months between 2006 and 2007.

Paletta featured in 14 Serie A games for the San Siro landlords during the second half of last season and reports now have it that he could be set for a switch away from Milan this summer.

TalkSPORT cite Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport who believe Atalanta are the next club the Italian-Argentine will be joining and the deal could be completed this week.

La Dea are very close to signing Paletta, though the details of the transfer has not been specified.

The Red Devils look as though they would not be getting Real Madrid defensive duo Sergio Ramos and Pepe. With Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin and now Paletta seemingly out of their grasp, it is left to be seen where Louis van Gaal will be turning his attention to as he seeks to bring in a top-notch, experienced defence leader to the team’s rearguard. Argentina and Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi, maybe, with Valencia-based Sport Deporte claiming yesterday that United are very desperate to sign him.

Van Gaal was forced to play Daley Blind – a midfielder or left back – as Chris Smalling’s partner in central defence on Saturday against Tottenham in a match which the Red Devils won 1-0 courtesy of Kyle Walker’s own goal.

Although the Dutch tactician could be justified to say Phil Jones mild thrombosis was the reason he did that, but there is no denying that a top central defender is needed. According to van Gaal, the said defender would have to be better than Smalling – presumably United’s best centre-back at the moment.