MANCHESTER UNITED are tracking St Etienne kid William Saliba, according to reports.
The central defender who recently turned 18 is regarded as one of the best young prospects in France with United leading the chase for his signature, claim Le 10 Sport.
United’s interest is serious and talks are expected to begin with the player in the coming weeks once they get the all clear from the French outfit.
St Etienne are demanding £25million for 6ft 3ins defender and want him back on loan next season if a deal is agreed.
Saliba has made 13 appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season, making seven starts in the league as they chase European football next season.
The teenager, who is also capable of playing at right-back, is a French youth international and has won three caps for the Under-19s.
United are looking to reshape their defensive unit in order to make a serious title bid next season.
Sun Sport revealed Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is their top defensive target this summer.
United want a commanding centre-back who can go straight into the starting line-up next term.
The club top brass are prepared to smash the world record fee for a defender to lure the Senegal stopper to Old Trafford.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who is close to being confirmed as the long-term boss is also looking to the future with Saliba and will make room for his arrival with Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and skipper Antonio Valencia on their way out in May.
