Man United eye Calvin Bassey as Fulham contract talks loom
- Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey, whose Fulham deal runs out next summer.
- Fulham can extend Bassey's contract by a year and want fresh terms, but several European clubs are watching.
- Leeds United are also said to be weighing a January move for Porto and Nigeria left-back Zaidu Sanusi.
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey, according to reports, as the Fulham centre-back enters the final months of his contract.
Bassey, who turns 27 in December, has been one of Fulham's most consistent players this season despite the club's struggles, and has even worn the captain's armband. That form has drawn attention from United's recruitment team, per TEAMtalk.
His current deal expires next summer, though Fulham hold an option to extend it by a further year. The London club are keen to agree fresh terms, but rival clubs are stepping up their monitoring in the meantime.
Why United are looking
United are planning a major rebuild in 2027 and face decisions over a defence where Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are all out of contract next summer. Martinez is reportedly ready to leave, with Barcelona said to have made an enquiry.
Bassey appeals because he combines Premier League experience with the ability to play both centre-back and left-back. But United would not have a clear run: Newcastle United and Everton are also watching, while Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are among the foreign clubs following him.
For Fulham, the priority is to protect a player who has become increasingly important to coach Alvaro Arbeloa's side.
Leeds look at Sanusi
Elsewhere, Leeds United are reportedly preparing a January approach for another Nigerian defender, Zaidu Sanusi. According to Football Insider, Leeds manager Daniel Farke wants to strengthen at left-back and has identified the Porto man as a target.
Sanusi, 29, has been on Leeds' radar in previous windows. His Porto contract also expires next summer, and the Portuguese club are reportedly unwilling to offer him a new deal, which could let Leeds negotiate a reduced fee in January rather than wait for him to become a free agent.
Sanusi joined Porto from Santa Clara in 2020 and has won two Portuguese league titles. He has 32 caps for the Super Eagles.
What happens next: Fulham will likely push to tie Bassey down, while United and Leeds weigh January moves. Nigerian fans will be watching closely, since both players are regulars for the national team.
