Manchester United and Liverpool consider January move for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu

Manchester United and Liverpool are both monitoring Pierre Kalulu ahead of the January transfer window, with Juventus already working to protect themselves from growing Premier League interest.

The 26-year-old has become an important player for Luciano Spalletti, operating primarily at right-back while also offering the versatility to play across the defence.

Kalulu impressed for Juventus last season and, despite a less convincing opening to the new campaign, remains firmly in Spalletti’s plans.

According to TuttoJuve, interest from Manchester United and Liverpool is now becoming increasingly significant, with both Premier League clubs evaluating whether to make a move in January.

Juventus are reportedly relaxed about Kalulu’s immediate contractual situation because his existing deal runs until 2029.

However, the Italian club are already considering an extension that would take him beyond that date.

That appears to be partly motivated by the increasing attention from England. Juventus want to anticipate potential offers rather than allow uncertainty around Kalulu’s future to develop.

The Frenchman recently made an error against Sassuolo, but that has not changed Spalletti’s view of him. Kalulu remains trusted at right-back and Juventus want him to stay beyond the January transfer window.

That could leave Manchester United and Liverpool needing to make a substantial proposal if they decide to turn their interest into a concrete approach.

Kalulu’s versatility could make him particularly attractive to both Premier League clubs.

Although currently established as a right-back at Juventus, the former AC Milan defender can also operate centrally and provide cover on the left side of the defence.

Manchester United have reasons to consider defensive reinforcements after dealing with injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt during recent seasons.

Liverpool could also look towards the defensive market after entering the season without as much depth at the back as they would have wanted.

A player capable of covering several positions would therefore provide either club with greater flexibility during the second half of the campaign.

Juventus have no contractual need to sell Kalulu, but significant Premier League offers could potentially test their position.

The Serie A club’s first objective appears to be securing the defender on an even longer contract and removing any uncertainty surrounding his future.

Much could ultimately depend on Kalulu himself. He is currently playing regularly under Spalletti and remains an important part of the Juventus team.

If Manchester United or Liverpool make a serious January approach, however, the Frenchman could have a decision to make over whether to remain in Turin or pursue a return to a different major European league.

Juventus are expected to continue working on Kalulu’s contract while monitoring interest from England.

Manchester United and Liverpool must now decide whether to progress from evaluating the defender to making a concrete January approach. With Kalulu under contract until 2029 and established in Spalletti’s starting XI, Juventus would enter any negotiations from a strong position.