Manchester United is actively scouting for a new left-back, drawing up a shortlist as they look to bolster their defensive line-up.
This urgency is driven by an injury to key player Luke Shaw, who will be out for several weeks due to a muscle issue.
The situation is further exacerbated by the unavailability of Shaw’s backup, Tyrell Malacia, who is also facing weeks on the sidelines and had missed the entire pre-season.
To add to their woes, Brandon Williams, an academy product, has been loaned out to Ipswich Town in the Championship, narrowing their options even more.
Erik ten Hag had to improvise by placing Diogo Dalot in the left-back role in their recent win against Nottingham Forest, a position in which the Portuguese player did not excel. Given the pressing circumstances, Manchester United is scouring the transfer market before this Friday’s deadline.
The Telegraph has reported that Marc Cucurella of Chelsea tops United’s list, and a preliminary inquiry is said to have been made.
Cucurella, who joined Chelsea last summer for £60m from Brighton, has not yet had any playing time under Chelsea’s new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Whether Chelsea will consider selling to a rival club remains an open question.
Marcos Alonso, formerly of Chelsea and now with Barcelona, is another potential target.
After a successful year in Barcelona that saw the team winning the title, Alonso seems to have secured his place, at least according to reports in Spain, where it’s suggested that Xavi has plans for him.
The third option under consideration is Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham, who is currently not in the team’s plans and spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
In a related development, The Express indicates that Manchester United are also considering making a move for Ryan Bertrand, who is currently a free agent after his stint at the King Power Stadium, as he could potentially reunite with his ex-teammate Jonny Evans, who is set to sign a one-year extension.
