United face off with European rivals in heated race to sign up-and-coming PL defender – report

Manchester United are set to face stiff competition as they compete for the signature of Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell.

With Luke Shaw and his deputy Tyrell Malacia both recovering from long-term injuries, Man United have been short of options at left-back, often relying on either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui to fill in.

Alternatively, centre-back Lisandro Martinez has also been shifted to the left flank. But while these three United players have proven reliable, the club would be best served if they could bring in a natural left-back during the upcoming transfer window.

One viable option who has emerged is Mitchell, who has proven to be a reliable defender for Palace this season. Starting all 11 Premier League games for his team this season, Mitchell has won 64% of his total duels, making 2.8 tackles per game and producing 1.1 key passes on average, thus exhibiting his attacking capability. (Sofascore)

Naturally, Mitchell’s impressive performances have garnered him plenty of attention from potential suitors, among whom are United. Still, Ruben Amorim’s team may be in for a difficult battle should they wish to lure him to Old Trafford.

Caughtoffside noted that Mitchell is out of contract in 2025, making him an ideal summer signing for United. Still, this development is being monitored by other clubs as well.

“Galatasaray has begun efforts to add 25-year-old left-back Tyrick Mitchell, who plays for Crystal Palace, to its squad,” Turkish outlet A Spor claimed.

Although Caughtoffside insisted that Palace would try to hold onto Mitchell for the rest of the season due to his importance, foreign clubs will be allowed to negotiate with the player in January for next season, given that he would be a free agent.

What makes Galatasaray’s interest all the more threatening to United is the Turkish side’s history of dealings with Palace. They previously secured the signing of Palace star Wilfried Zaha in 2023.

While securing the 25 year old as a free agent would certainly be an appealing deal for United, the club has several other options should he be snatched up by Galatasaray.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies has been constantly regarded as a priority target for United. Still, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona had also been linked with the Canadian star, meaning United may be in for a rough ride should they persist in their pursuit of Davies.

What’s more, Davies appears to be an expensive option, with the player reportedly seeking £240,000 per week in wages.

Ultimately, Mitchell would prove to be an affordable option with many years of peak football ahead of him. United would do well to continue monitoring the full-back should no other feasible candidates emerge in the coming months.

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