Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of French defender Bradley Locko from Ligue 1 club Brest.
The 22-year-old left-back is set to earn £8,000 a week at Old Trafford, providing a solution to United’s defensive woes following the long-term injury to Luke Shaw.
Shaw, who has been plagued with persistent fitness issues, is expected to miss several months, forcing Erik ten Hag to turn to the transfer market for reinforcements.
Locko has emerged as United’s primary target for the left-back position after impressing in Ligue 1 with his pace, defensive awareness, and attacking contributions.
The young Frenchman, who has been a standout player for Brest, is seen as a viable option for both immediate impact and long-term development.
With a modest wage package of £8,000 per week, Locko’s signing is also seen as a shrewd piece of business for the Red Devils, especially amid their financial challenges in recent windows.
Ten Hag has been keen to strengthen his defense after a string of injuries, with Shaw being the most significant blow.
Although the arrival of Locko appears to be imminent, Manchester United are also exploring alternative options in case the deal encounters any obstacles.
Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez on the Radar
In addition to Locko, United have been monitoring Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as potential backup options.
Robinson, known for his dynamic play and Premier League experience, would bring a more seasoned option to United’s defense, while Kerkez, an emerging talent from Hungary, has shown great potential in his performances with Bournemouth.
Both players are being considered as additional targets if United decide to further bolster their squad depth in the January window.
However, Locko remains the club’s priority as they seek to resolve their immediate defensive crisis.
The impending arrival of Bradley Locko is seen as a positive step towards stabilizing the team’s defensive structure, with United fans hopeful that he can hit the ground running and fill the void left by Shaw’s absence.