Pochettino eyes Super Eagles star Bassey as first Manchester United signing

Pochettino has reportedly made Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey his top January target to fix Manchester United’s defence.

New Manchester United manager Mauricio Pochettino has identified Fulham defender Calvin Bassey as his top target for the January transfer window, Daily Post reported.

Citing The Telegraph, the report said Pochettino regards the Super Eagles star as the man to fix United’s weak defence and will encourage the club to chase him.

After assessing the squad left behind by his predecessor, Michael Carrick, Pochettino acknowledged that securing Bassey from Fulham would not be straightforward.

The 26-year-old has been handed the captain’s armband at Craven Cottage this season by new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who is determined to keep his skipper.

Still, the former Rangers and Ajax defender is in the final year of his contract, although Fulham hold an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

That contract situation could yet open the door for Pochettino’s first major move at Old Trafford.