Central defence is a problem position for both Manchester United and Manchester City.
Chris Smalling and Daley Blind formed a solid defensive partnership last season, but reports recently claimed new United manager Jose Mourinho doesn’t see Blind as part of his plans.
While City have spent £135m on central defenders since signing Vincent Kompany in 2009, and none have convinced.
It has been reported that Villareal defender Eric Bailly is close to joining United, and Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte is believed to be a target for Guardiola.
While many expect fireworks to fly between Mourinho and Gurdiola in Manchester as they did when the pair managed in La Liga, very few would have expected their first battle to be over a West Ham United defender.
Angelo Ogbonna has been scouted by both clubs, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, after impressing in his first season at West Ham.
The former Juventus defender, who is currently on international duty with Italy, played 33 games as the Hammers recorded a seventh place finish last season.
The 28 year old has twice won the Serie A title, before joining West Ham for €11m. It’s possible Ogbonna could be a back-up option for both clubs, if they miss out on their primary targets.
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