Man Utd ‘monitoring Alex Telles alternative’ as club steps up left-back search

Manchester United may turn to Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico as an alternative to priority left-back target Alex Telles, according to reports.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to strengthen his options on the left side of defence to provide competition for Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams.

The Red Devils were keen on Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon but missed out as the Spaniard chose to join Tottenham in a £25million deal at the weekend.

Elsewhere, United have long been linked with a move for Porto star Telles – who has less than a year remaining on his deal – and talks between the clubs are continuing.

But The Sun claims the north-west giants are also keeping tabs on Tagliafico, who is available this transfer window for £23million.

Argentine international Tagliafico was previously linked with a move to Leicester City as a replacement for Ben Chilwell, who moved to Chelsea for £50million.

But the Foxes chose to sign Timothy Castagne from Atalanta instead, leaving United without competition from a Premier League rival for Tagliafico’s signature.

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Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest in the 28-year-old, but the club’s financial issues mean their move is in doubt.

Meanwhile, Telles remains United’s priority target and they offered cash plus Diogo Dalot to try and get the deal over the line.

But Porto rejected the terms as they have no interest in Dalot returning to the club two years after leaving for Old Trafford.

Telles helped the Portuguese giants win the league and cup double last season and has a £36.7million release clause in his current deal.

Given he has less than 12 months remaining on his contract, Porto are willing to accept a substantially lower offer, though they are demanding the fee is paid up front.

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