Heading into this summer transfer window Manchester United had been expected to sign a new left-back.
Despite all the options available to us last season, Ashley Young made the position his own, despite naturally being a winger.
The England international fought off competition from Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian to start the majority of games for us last season.
Young has since turned 33 and Jose Mourinho wants an out-and-out left-back to play the role for the upcoming season.
Matteo Darmian is expected to move back to Italy this summer and we are in negotiations with Juventus to make that happen.
On Tuesday it was confirmed that Daley Blind had re-joined Ajax to free up a space in the squad.
Blind’s sale, Darmian’s expected sale, and trying to push Luke Shaw out of the club give us the impression that we have a deal lined up for a new left-back this summer.
And that appears to be the case as TeamTalk are reporting that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is ready to complete the signing of Juventus’ Alex Sandro once Jose gives him the green light.
We have been strongly linked with the Brazilian international in recent months and it appears a deal could be completed shortly. The Italian giants themselves are looking to raise some cash following the £88 million signing of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month.
Alex Sandro could become our fourth signing this summer following the arrivals of full-back Diogo Dalot from FC Porto, central midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and goalkeeper Lee Grant from Stoke City.
TeamTalk are citing The Independent as claiming that we have already agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old. However, we are yet to reach an agreement with the Serie A champions who are believed to be demanding around £60 million.
However, a deal could still be on as the report goes on to say that we are ready to make another approach for Alex Sandro and that Ed Woodward is ready to complete a deal once Mourinho is ready.
Alex Sandro is an excellent left-back who can both defend and attack. He is a good dribbler of the ball and is happy to take on the opposition in their half, whilst joins in with the occasional goals over the course of a season.
