Faouzi Ghoulam has emerged as a target for Newcastle in January (Getty Images)
According to Manchester Evening News, Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam has emerged as the latest target on Jose Mourinho’s radar and the Red Devils have offered €45 million to land the 27-year-old in January.
Ghoulam is one of the highly-rated left-backs in the Serie A and Napoli are keen to hold on to their prized asset. (h/t Calciomercato).
Born to parents of Algerian origin in France, Ghoulam played for French outfit St.Etienne at the youth level and went on to become a professional for his boyhood club. He caught the eye with his consistent performances in the Ligue 1 and Napoli signed him in 2014. Since then, his stocks have soared higher than ever and the Algerian has made a total of 153 appearances for the Naples-based outfit.
However, he ruptured his cruciate ligament in January and the Algerian is yet to play any part this season with new coach Carlo Ancelotti preferring Portuguese youngster Mario Rui as the first-choice left-back. Injuries have taken a toll on his career since last season as the 27-year-old played only 17 games across all competitions.
His play time has been cut short due to recent injuries but Ghoulam, who has been capped 35 times by Algeria, would be the perfect option to provide cover and competition for Luke Shaw.
Shaw was unavailable for large quarters of the previous two seasons due to a double leg fracture but the Englishman has strung together some top-notch performances for the Red Devils since making a return this season. Not only has he discharged his defensive duties with diligence but has also linked up effectively with Alexis Sanchez down the left. In other words, he has proven his worth as a complete full-back.
Jose Mourinho had to rely on the likes of Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young to cover for Shaw when he was sidelined with a concussion this season. While Valencia has been caught out of position numerous times, Young has not only been exposed at the back but has also been inconsistent with his deliveries into the box.
Furthermore, United should remember that both of them are already 33 and are unlikely to continue at Old Trafford beyond this season. Also, they should take into account that Shaw is injury-prone.
To put things into perspective, Ghoulam could be the perfect option to add depth to the squad. A strong, agile, technically gifted and offensive-minded full-back, the 27-year-old can contribute equally to both the attack and the defence.
A good reader of the game, Ghoulam has the ability to cut out the attacks with crucial interceptions and tends to keep his composure while going into challenges. He is also a counter-attacking threat and has the ability to carry the ball forward with pace after winning it back in his own half.
To go with his tackling, technique and game-reading, Ghoulam is also blessed with an appreciable physicality and aerial prowess. He is also adept at taking set-pieces and can create loads of chances from the flanks with his accurate crosses, which is something Young and Valencia hasn’t managed to do this season.
The Red Devils do not have the best defensive record in the Premier League and they need to add depth to their squad to keep pace with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. Hence, they should not hesitate to splash the cash to sign the versatile and dynamic Algerian left-back in January.