MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to land Porto left-back Alex Telles for £12million as talks continue to progress, according to reports.
The Brazilian, 27, has just a year left on his contract and believes the Portuguese side’s asking price of £18m is too high.
Man Utd are hoping to sign Alex Telles on the cheapCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Telles is eager to make the switch to Old Trafford and remains confident he will be a Manchester United player when the deadline shuts on October 5.
Porto are attempting to hold firm in their valuation while United are also continuing to play hardball.
The Guardian write how United believe they have the upper hand because Porto’s financial issues mean they will be forced to sell and not risk losing him for nothing.
Porto are also expected to use the cash to invest in other areas of their squad.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed negotiations are continuing but added the fee could rise up to £22m.
He wrote on Twitter: “Talks continue between Manchester United and Porto for Alex Telles.
“Player side still convinced that an agreement between Porto and #MUFC can be reached around €25m (£22m). Negotiations on.
“There’s also another option on the list as LB for Man Utd if Telles deal will collapse.”
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in the market for a new left-sided player to provide competition for Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams.
United’s frailities in defence were laid bare in their dismal 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace in their last Premier League outing.
Solskjaer specifically wants a more attacking left-back and Telles fits the bill.
Although he takes penalties, he scored 11 times and assisted eight in the Portuguese top flight last season.
SunSport revealed how United will look at Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico for £23m if the Telles deal falls through.
Sergio Reguilon was a target but the Spaniard ended up joining Tottenham, who agreed to a buy-back clause with Real Madrid.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
