Manchester United Transfer News: Angelo Ogbonna Would Cost United £16 Million

Manchester United have been told by Torino director Gianluca Petrachi that defender Angelo Ogbonna would cost the Premier League club around £16 million, should they try to make a move for him over the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are thought to be interested in signing the 24-year-old, who caught the attention of United scouts at the start of the season.

Ogbonna would provide valuable defensive assistance for Sir Alex Ferguson—who has few defensive options to choose from at the moment due to injuries—but is not for sale for anything less than £16 million according to Torino, who don't want to sell the defender anyway.

Per Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Goal):

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I guarantee there are observers of many foreign clubs who follow our games, including [Manchester] United’s scouts. Most of the time they come just to see Ogbonna because he is a player who has great potential.

Last year we refused £10m for him but it is clear he is worth more than £16m. Angelo has the desire to do better but I believe he should continue to grow with Torino.

"

The news comes only days after the United manager highlighted the importance that defense will play for the Red Devils this year in both English and European competitions (per The Guardian).

Manchester United struggled last season once captain Nemanja Vidic suffered a season-ending injury, and whilst some defensive frailties still exist this season, there is little doubt that the return of Vidic and the addition of Alexander Buttner has been helpful for United's defense.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are both out for an extended time for United, and with the likes of Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand the wrong side of 30 in terms of fitness and health, the addition of another high-class defender would be a big signing for United.

Once we're closer to January we will be able to get a better understanding of just what defensive solutions United need and whether the pursuit of Ogbonna would be a worthwhile move by the Premier League giants.

But for now, it is no doubt an avenue that the Red Devils will continue to explore. Ogbonna is a highly rated Italian international and a player that would bring further stability and cohesion to United's back line.

The question then becomes whether United would be willing to spend £16 million or more on the defender. And only time will provide the answer to that question.

Is Angelo Ogbonna worth spending upwards of £16 million on this January?

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