Breaking! Manchester United table £40 million for 6f tall powerhouse

Manchester United are reported to be readying a £40 million bid for Serie A giant Napoli full-back Faouzi Ghoulam ahead of the January transfer window which opens in coming months.

The 27-year-old has played over 150 games for the Italian club since making a switch to Stadio Sao Paolo from Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne in 2013.

Radio Kiss Kiss Naples reports that a bid of £40 million has been tabled for the full-back by the Red Devils with a deal expected to be dusted by January when the winter transfer window opens.

However, it is being reported that the decision to let the Algerian international leave will be a difficult one to make by the Italian giants because of his impact in the dressing room as well as the fact they have got no replacement yet for him.

• Unai Emery plans to raid United for £140,000-a-week star

Meanwhile, manager Jose Mourinho will try his possible best to convince United board into ensuring they have the signature of the Algerian defender who has been identified as an experienced player.

United have been faced with an inconsistent season in terms of the results coming out from the Theatre of Dreams and there are fears that a Champions League qualification for next season will not be feasible.