It now looks extremely unlikely that Manchester United will sign Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
Ruben Amorim’s appointment as head coach of the Old Trafford club means that the first team will normally play in his favoured 3-4-3 formation, making world-class wing backs a priority for the system.
Davies has been unable to agree a new contract with current club Bayern Munich, with his deal expiring in June. This has put several big clubs on alert, including United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Meanwhile, there is still a possibility that he will sign a new deal at the German club, having previously rejected a 5-year contract offer of around £207,000 per week. A later deal also fell through when the club got cold feet and broke off negotiations.
With Real blowing hot and cold over the 24 year old and Barcelona struggling financially, it was starting to look like it could become a straight race between the Red Devils and their North West rivals.
However, The Athletic report that there is little appetite on either side for Davies to join United.
“Sources close to the player say the upheaval at the club and their current lack of involvement in the Champions League makes them less attractive from his end,” the outlet claims.
“At a time when budgets are tight at United, Davies would be a high-earner even if arriving as a free agent and club sources say it is not a priority deal at present.”
This seems to put paid to recent reports that United had arranged to meet with the Canadian next month.
The Athletic believe the most likely outcome is that a new deal will finally be agreed for the player to stay at his current club.
United for their part will probably look for a more economical option to strengthen the left flank.
They have been linked with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri, although both clubs have reportedly been looking at eye-watering transfer fees for their young stars. Ait-Nouri my be the more realistic target, especially if Wolves are relegated, as he will only have a year left on his contract in June.
Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu are also claimed to be on Ineos’ radar, as is their €20 million buy-back option for Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras.
Yesterday it was also reported that United had agreed a $6 million (US) deal for Cerro Porteño’s 18-year-old left back Diego Leon, although that might be one for the future rather than a ready-made upgrade to Amorim’s first XI.
Featured image Sebastian Widmann via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
