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MANCHESTER UNITED are closing on a deal for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara as Ralf Rangnick looks to build a team to suit his 4-2-2-2 formation.

The 63-year-old German coach began playing the new formation as soon as he arrived at Old Trafford last month.

Kamara looks set to join Rangnick at Old Trafford
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Kamara looks set to join Rangnick at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Here is how Man Utd could line up with Kamara
Here is how Man Utd could line up with Kamara
Rangnick will look to bolster his squad in the January window
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Rangnick will look to bolster his squad in the January windowCredit: Getty

It has seen him field two deep-lying midfielders, with Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes behind a front two of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.

But Kamara, who could sign for Man Utd in the first few days of the January transfer window, would offer Rangnick some more quality at the base of his midfield.

At the moment, the Red Devils often field the partnership of Fred and Scott McTominay.

Nemanja Matic is also an option for Rangnick, while Paul Pogba is currently out with an injury.

The Frenchman is also out of contract in the summer and being heavily linked with a move away from United.

And with Fred dramatically improving since the arrival of Rangnick, the German could look to slot Kamara in alongside the Brazilian instead of McTominay.

There are also a number of other options who could be added to the formation, including Alex Telles for Shaw at left-back and Mason Greenwood for Rashford up front.

But United are not alone in their pursuit of the highly-rated 22-year-old Kamara.

Barcelona, who are in desperately in need of reinforcements in their squad, are also said to be interested in the midfielder.

But the wealthier Man Utd are ahead of Xavi and Co in the race.

Kamara's contract expires in the summer so he will be available for a cut price in January or a free transfer at the end of the season.

He has made 141 appearances for Marseille since breaking through the club's youth set-up.

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His boyhood club are currently flying high in Ligue 1, sitting second in the table after 17 games.

Kamara has also featured nine times for France's U21s but is yet to be capped for the senior side.

Man Utd have been linked with a number of other central midfielders including England duo Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice.

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