Bayern Munich in for a new defender? French reports suggest Nicolas N'Koulou is a candidate

With Holger Badstuber likely out until January while he recovers from his second ACL injury, there may be some interest by Pep Guardiola in bringing in a new defender. Reports in various French media, including Canal +, suggest that Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in Olympique de Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou.

The centerback has started 68 games for Marseille over the last two seasons since making the move the mainland from Monaco. The 23 year old was a big reason for Marseille's second place finish this season in Ligue 1 where they only allowed 36 goals. N'Koulou's current contract with Marseille lasts through June 2015, but he has a release clause of €14 million.

Monaco are also interested in bringing N'Koulou back to Stade Louis II and are prepared to offer €20 million and a higher wage than Bayern, but the treble winners have the prestige factor in their favor, according to the "ever reliable" Mercato.

While it's tough to gauge how real this interest is at this moment, there are some thing we do know. The first is that Badstuber will be out for half of the 2013-14 season, and the club should not sit back and hope that no injuries occur to any other defenders. The second is that Schalke have been making noise about bringing Rafinha back to Gelsenkirchen. The Brazilian's contract expires next summer, but I think its more likely that he walks on a free next summer.

However, this is not a necessary move at this time. Obviously, the hope is that Badstuber recovers completely from is injury, and that Boateng and Dante continue their impressive form from last season. Even if a move is not made this summer, N'Koulou is a centerback that we should keep our eyes on for a potential transfer in the future.