Manchester United Transfer News: Angelo Ogbonna Red Devils' Perfect Target

Manchester United are reportedly interested in a January move for Angelo Ogbonna of Juventus, and the Italian centre-back would make the perfect target for a Red Devils' mid-season move.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t to Metro), Louis van Gaal is keen on a deal for the 26-year-old Italy international, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2014-15 season under Massimiliano Allegri.

It's easy to see why the Dutch manager would be interested—the left-footed defender has long been touted as one of Italy's finest defenders but has failed to nail a regular spot as a starter with the Bianconeri, who field arguably the best back three in all of football.

Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are three highly experienced stars with specific skill sets that complement each other beautifully, and they've been playing together for years.

Ogbonna has seen plenty of action early in the 2014-15 season (starting four of five Serie A fixtures, per WhoScored.com), but Barzagli will reclaim his starting position once he returns to full health.

He struggled to adapt to the 3-5-2 in 2013-14, having spent his entire career as a centre-back or left-back in a four-man defence, but he appears far more comfortable in the 3-5-2 this season. As shared by the club's official Twitter feed, Allegri is more than happy with his progression:

The versatility to play both formations is another strong reason why Van Gaal is likely considering him.

Ogbonna was a highly sought-after prospect in the summer of 2013, and all the talent he displayed at Torino is still there. He's yet to really get his chance in Turin, and with Martin Caceres playing very well and the likes of Alberto Masi and Daniele Rugani seen as the starters of the future, he could be available for the right price in January.

This sets him apart from star defenders such as Mats Hummels, who won't leave their current clubs (and the chance to play in the Champions League) in the middle of the season. Metro quotes a fee of £12 million, which would be quite the bargain for an experienced yet young centre-back with solid potential.

FourFourTwo's Adam Bigby is a fan, based on what he has seen from Ogbonna this season:

Ogbonna has the athleticism and physicality to survive in the Premier League, and he's a remarkably gifted passer, as evidenced by this statistic from JuveFC.com:

Juventus won't gift Ogbonna to the Red Devils, but the bad financial state of Italian football means that fringe players like the defender will always be available for the right price.

He has the versatility to play all over the back four in virtually any formation—even as a depth player, a £12 million move for Ogbonna would be a wise investment. If Van Gaal is looking for defensive reinforcements in January, the Italian would make for a perfect target.

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