Manchester United are in serious danger of being frustrated in their attempts to bring Rayan Ait-Nouri to Old Trafford, as Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers may block a summer move by raising their demands during the remainder of the transfer window, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
After bolstering his attack with the £36.5 million signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, where the striker played a key role in the Serie A club’s Champions League qualification for the upcoming season, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has turned his attention to improving his full-back options.
Dan Ashworth, Manchester United’s new sporting director, has been tasked with leading the club’s recruitment drive after an agreement was reached with Newcastle United earlier this month, and additional reinforcements are expected to be drafted in before the August 30 deadline.
Red Devils Have Been Monitoring Ait Nouri
Algeria international would provide coverage for Shaw and Malacia. According to GMS sources, Manchester United has considered signing Ait-Nouri, but they risk being priced out of a move after Wolves’ decision to cash in on captain Max Kilman when West Ham United came calling, indicating that they are not desperate for additional funds.
Despite reports that the Algerian international has a His Molineux contract includes a release clause worth around £38 million, but his current employers have yet to confirm whether this is accurate since the transfer window reopened last month. According to GMS sources, Wolves are preparing to boost their demands for Ait-Nouri, which will be a big blow to Manchester United as they look for a new left-back to compete with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia for a regular starting spot.
Although the former Angers man is in the final two years of his £33,000-per-week contract in the West Midlands, the Red Devils’ domestic rivals are not under pressure to let him go because he remains an important part of their future plans and they have already secured funds to reinvest in their squad.
Ait-Nouri has been described as a ‘incredible talent’ by Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil, which explains why he is gaining interest ahead of the fast-approaching new season, while his versatility and desire to be on the team sheet in his current surroundings allow him to be deployed ‘anywhere’ on the pitch.
Manchester United were forced to go for extended parts of the 2023/24 season without a recognized left-sided defender due to
Shaw and Malacia are both struggling with injuries, and GMS sources say that ten Hag is eager to draft in cover for the two despite not prioritising a signing in the position.
Kadioglu and Kerkez are among other left-back targets.
Ten Hag refused to primarily focus on landing Ait-Nouri. According to GMS sources, Manchester United has a genuine interest in Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu, indicating that ten Hag is keeping his options open, but they are up against at least three other suitors, including Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Turkey international made 51 appearances last season and demonstrated his versatility by starring at right-back when required, but enticing his present employers to cash in may prove difficult after former Red Devils
Manager Jose Mourinho has taken over the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium hot seat. Manchester United has also kept an eye on Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez this summer, according to GMS sources, while Brest defender Bradley Locko has been on their radar despite reports of additional interest from Tottenham Hotspur and other English Premier League clubs. Although Jarrad Branthwaite may be used as extra left-back cover if he moves to Old Trafford from Everton, this is not an ideal scenario, and it is looking increasingly doubtful that he will be permitted to leave Goodison Park before the transfer window closes next month.
According to GMS, Manchester United are unwilling to spend more than £50 million on the England international, which is much less than the The Toffees have set a price tag on him, and they are not in severe financial need after the accounting deadline passed at the end of last month.
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