New Manchester United manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly identified Nigerian international Calvin Bassey as his priority signing ahead of the January transfer window.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the Argentine tactician sees the Fulham defender as a key addition capable of strengthening Manchester United’s struggling backline. Pochettino is said to be keen on convincing the club’s hierarchy to make a move for the Super Eagles centre-back when the transfer window opens in January.

Having assessed the squad inherited from his predecessor, Michael Carrick, Pochettino reportedly believes that bringing Bassey to Old Trafford would be an important step towards addressing the team’s defensive problems. However, he is aware that securing the Nigerian’s signature could prove difficult.

Bassey, 26, has established himself as an important figure at Fulham and was handed the captain’s armband this season by the club’s new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa. The Spanish coach is reportedly keen to keep the defender at Craven Cottage, making a potential transfer to Manchester United more complicated.

The former Rangers and Ajax centre-back is, however, approaching the final year of his current contract with the West London club. Fulham have an option to extend the agreement by an additional 12 months, a factor that could influence negotiations if Manchester United decide to pursue their interest.

With Pochettino reportedly viewing Bassey as his preferred defensive reinforcement, the coming transfer window could determine whether the Super Eagles star makes a move to Old Trafford.