United to include England international as part of player-plus-cash deal to land “top transfer target” this January – report

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim prefers to utilise wingbacks to provide the width and attacking thrust up front but while Sporting Lisbon had plenty of players for that role, the Red Devils have none.

The Portuguese tactician has been forced to play Diogo Dalot in that position with Luke Shaw out injured and Tyrell Malacia struggling for form.

And he urgently needs reinforcements this January with the 20-time English league champions initially linked with a swoop for Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain.

After being priced out of a move, they shifted their attention to Patrick Dorgu of Lecce but the Serie A giants are currently playing hardball over the price while Napoli are also fighting for his signature.

Left wingback needed

Which is why the Old Trafford side are currently trying to find an alternative within the Premier League with Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace finding a mention recently.

CaughtOffside have now claimed United have made Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri their top transfer target of the winter window with the Molineux outfit holding out for around €55-60 million.

Owing to the club’s precarious PSR position, INEOS are in no position to splurge as much which is why they are open to offering either of their left full-backs in order to bring the price down.

“Manchester United are focusing on Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as their top transfer target in that position. CaughtOffside understands United are now making Ait-Nouri a priority, with Wolves possibly open to letting the Algeria international go for around €55-60m.

Player-plus-cash offer

“Sources have indicated that MUFC could also explore getting that price tag down by including Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia as part of the deal, though it remains to be seen if that’s something Wolves would consider.”

Losing either of Shaw or Malacia will not be a problem with the Englishman’s poor injury record meaning it would be a mistake for Amorim to trust him while the Dutchman looks in need of minutes to regain his form after an extensive period on the sidelines last season.

The Algerian has started all but one Premier League game for the West Midlands club, netting four times while registering five assists. Great attacking numbers which will suit Amorim’s plans to a T.

Ait-Nouri is only 23 and his Premier League experience will certainly impress INEOS with the player’s versatility another major attraction.

But whether Wolves will accept United’s player-plus-cash deal remains to be seen especially as they are caught in the middle of a relegation scrap and can ill-afford to lose one of their best performers.

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