Manchester United are preparing to make an approach for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara in the January transfer window, according to reports in the Italian media.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and the likes of AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all said to be interested in signing him on a free transfer.

However, United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick is thought to be a big fan of Kamara’s and he wants the Manchester club to make their move next month in order to see off the competition.

Respected journalist David Ornstein reported last week that the Red Devils are one of the Premier League sides who have been keeping tabs on Kamara’s contract situation.

The reporter did not name the other English sides involved but Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked with the Frenchman over the past year or so.