Man Utd set to rival Barcelona and Real Madrid for €20m defender, he's just what they need

Manchester United are set to rival Barcelona and Real Madrid for Olympique Lyonnais right back Malo Gusto, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag’s resurgent Man Utd go into the World Cup break fifth in the table, just three points from a Champions League spot.

Despite wantaway forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s highly-critical interview having dominated the headlines, the Red Devils appear to be steadily moving in the right direction under ten Hag.

However, they will need some January recruitments to continue the charge for a top-four position.

Malo Gusto to Man Utd?

According to Fichajes Man Utd are interested in signing Lyon right back Gusto, but face competition for his signature from Real Madrid, Chelsea, AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona

The publication claims that while Real and Barca have a strong interest in the 19-year-old, the latter are crippled by financial fair play and massive debt.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are looking for a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal and have cited the dynamic, French fullback as an ideal replacement.

Meanwhile, Man Utd are on the hunt for a right-back to replace out-of-favour Aaron Wan-Bissaka and provide sufficient competition to Diogo Dalot.

Interested parties will have to pay €20million (£17.4million) to secure Gusto’s services, according to the publication.

Erik ten Hag wants right-back

Dalot has impressed this term and has made Man Utd’s right-back berth his own. However, the Portugal international is out of contract in the summer.

Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka lost his first-team spot under former interim manager Ralf Ragnick and now looks likely to leave Old Trafford having only managed 4 minutes of first-team football all season.

On the right-back position, the Man Utd boss told Sky Sports: "I'm really happy with the development of Diogo. In possession, he's really good, he has the breath to go up and down, so the development is really good.

"But I have to mention, a club as Manchester United need two good full-backs because we have a lot of games to cover."