Manchester United could yet enter the market if they sense an opportunity in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have gone relatively quiet after an early summer flurry, with the quick deals for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos eventually followed by the arrival of Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
But while every United fan on the planet knew midfield was the priority area they would be targeting this summer, the left-back position is not far behind.
Tyrell Malacia left on a free transfer in June while Harry Amass is the subject of interest from Burnley, meaning Luke Shaw is the only out and out left-sided defender at the club.
Asked if United could dip back into the market this late in the window, Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast: “Manchester United is quite similar in terms of left-back. If they can find the right player on deadline day, they are more than happy to bring in a new left-back.
“They were looking at left-backs. We know they’ve been looking at that for some time. They had conversations, for example, with Jorge Mendes, the agent of [Alejandro] Balde, two weeks ago to try and understand if the deal was possible, but it was considered too expensive.
“So let’s see if United find an opportunity as well. But for these two, I will still keep things open until the very end.”
The Athletic: Real Madrid open to Camavinga sale
According to The Athletic, long-time United target Eduardo Camavinga is effectively up for sale. The 23 year-old has started just one of Real Madrid’s opening three fixtures in La Liga under Jose Mourinho, and the Spanish giants are “open to offers”.
Madrid are aware that Premier League sides have the cash to come calling late in the day, and they want to replace the versatile youngster with a midfielder “capable of dictating the tempo of matches” in the mould of Toni Kroos.
We reported last week that United could yet launch a late move for the Frenchman, and Football FanCast sources confirm INEOS are still attentive to his situation.
Camavinga is of course primarily a midfielder, but has regularly filled in at left-back during his time at the Bernabeu.
|
Camavinga at Real Madrid |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Central Midfield |
105 |
5 |
4 |
|
Defensive Midfield |
77 |
1 |
4 |
|
Left-Back |
31 |
0 |
3 |
|
Left Midfield |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Left Winger |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Right Winger |
2 |
0 |
0 |
United chiefs were considering a move before making a breakthrough with Brighton for Baleba, but the fact that the former Rennes starlet would effectively add depth in both areas they wanted to strengthen could force them back into the market.
Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Camavinga’s ability at full-back during his time in the Spanish capital, when the pair won two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues together: “He is taking advantage of the time he has played as a full-back to improve his boundaries.
“He is very young and he has to mature his experience and his tactical knowledge. Technically, he has nothing to learn and, physically, he has the engine of a Ferrari, not like a (Fiat) 500.”
Despite his age, Camavinga would also bring a wealth of high level experience to a side returning to Europe’s elite under Michael Carrick this season, having turned out 56 times in the Champions League to go with 29 caps for France.
Tuesday’s transfer deadline hits at 11:00 PM BST, but the Red Devils will remain interested into 2027 if a deal is not completed in time, when his contract in Madrid will be down to its final two years.