Despite inconsistent displays, Manchester United have been forced to play Diogo Dalot as a left wingback in the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
However, against Liverpool, the Portuguese defender finally came good, as he had the beating of Trent Alexander-Arnold and was even lauded by rival manager Arne Slot at the end of the game.
Ruben Amorim knows that his compatriot can produce even more if he is played in his preferred position and that is why he has asked INEOS for reinforcements this January.
Due to a paucity of funds, the Red Devils were eyeing economical options with Julio Soler of Lanus being one of them. However, The Daily Mail have now claimed that the 19-year old Argentine is set to sign for high-flying Bournemouth.
United set to miss out on Soler
But it is not all doom and gloom for United as the report further mentions that the only reason the Cherries are going after the Argentina U23 international is because of the uncertain future of Milos Kerkez.
The 21-year-old is a long-term target for the Old Trafford side and his Premier League experience and young age makes him the ideal target for INEOS.
“Bournemouth will seal the £12 million signing of left back Julio Soler from Lanus this week. The 19-year old has agreed a four and a half year contract and is due in England ahead of a medical.
“Bournemouth have moved for the Argentina U23 international with regular left back Milos Kerkez attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United.”
The Hungarian has been an ever-present feature of Andoni Iraola’s team and considering his importance, Bournemouth are likely to ask for a lot for their talisman.
Kerkez could be available?
Signed for €17.9 million in 2023, there were talks of Kerkez being worth over £40 million last summer which led to plenty of the big clubs staying away.
He has a contract with the club until 2028 which means Bournemouth hold all the aces and will not let him go on the cheap, especially mid-season.
Apart from the 20-time English league champions, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also eyeing the Hungarian and it will not be an easy transfer race to win.
The best way to get ahead of the competition will be to try and agree a deal with the Cherries right away. Whether INEOS can do that remains to be seen.
Feature image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
