MANCHESTER UNITED are so desperate for a short-term loan deal to cover the injury of Luke Shaw they have added a FIFTH and SIXTH option to their transfer shortlist, according to reports.
Left-back Shaw is set to spend a lengthy period on the sidelines after sustaining a nasty muscular injury.
According to the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag is said to be looking to bring in a short-term replacement for Shaw’s absence and a reunion with Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico is on the cards.
The left-back was previously considered by the Red Devils scouting team as he used to play under Ten Hag at Ajax.
Tagliafico, 30, is playing regularly for the Ligue 1 giants and Lyon would want any loan to include the obligation to buy.
The Argentine joined the French side last year from Ajax for £3.5million and was a part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team.
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Ten Hag has praised him in the past for his character and professionalism and is a viable option as he could easily adapt to the Dutch boss’ style.
Meanwhile, the Metro confirmed Roma’s Leonardo Spinazolla as a potential target for the Red Devils.
Spinazzola has been a key part of the Italian side since 2019 – but Roma boss Jose Mourinho is unlikely to sanction his departure as the Serie A team have had a poor start to the season.
Man Utd already had four potential left-backs lined-up on their transfer list including Barcelona’s Marcos Alonso, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Tottenham’s Sergio Reguillion and Brentford’s Rico Henry.
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United have a restricted budget after their huge £160million summer splurge on Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana.
Barcelona are open to letting Alonso go on a short-term loan as this would open up financial space to complete the new signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
Chelsea are considering offers for Cucuarella but are still concerned about their other left-back Ian Maatsen who is yet to sign a new contract for the Blues.
United must have a deal finalised by Friday’s 11pm deadline but remain restricted by Financial Fair Play over what they can bring in.
Therefore to complete this deal the likes of Donny van de Beek and Eric Bailly need to be sold before eyeing up midfield targets.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
