Manchester United transfer rumour: Red Devils hold preliminary talks with Roma defender Kostas Manolas agent

Manchester United are planning an approach for AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are looking to bolster their back-four for the 2016/17 season and have set their sights on signing the Greek international.

According to talkSPORT, the 20-time English champions have already held initial talks with the centre-back's agent over a proposed move to Old Trafford. United allowed their manager Louis van Gaal to leave the club just days after he helped them win the FA Cup.

Jose Mourinho is set to replace the Dutchman at United and the Premier League giants are waiting for the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager to give his transfer targets. Manolas is valued to be around £30.3m ($44.4m) and United are willing to meet the player's asking price, if the Portuguese tactician gives his final approval.

The 24-year-old joined the Serie A club from Olympiakos in summer of 2014 and replaced Medhi Benatia at Stadio Olimpico as the latter joined Bayern Munich that same summer. He settled quickly at the Italian club and has gone on to become one of the key players in the squad.

Manolas has missed only one match in the 2015/16 season for Roma and that too due to suspension. Football agent Mino Raiola was in full praise of his talent and advised him to make a switch to England in April.

That did not go down well with the Greek central defender and Raiola's comments had upset the defender. However, he admitted that his future lies in Roma's hands, but admitted he is happy with his current employers.

"He's not my agent and I don't know why he's said what he has said, because it's not true. My agent is [Ioannis] Evangelopoulos," Manolas explained.

"I don't know what will happen, it's up to Roma, but I still have three years on my contract and I'm happy here."