Man Utd now open talks to sign £35m “top player” after enquiry from Aston Villa

Manchester United have now opened talks to sign a new left-back, after failing to bring in a player to compete for Luke Shaw’s starting spot during the summer transfer window.

BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone has since confirmed that signing a left-back is likely to be INEOS’ primary focus during the winter window, saying: “Left-back seems to me to be an absolute priority, Nigel. However, United have been down this road before. Remember Sergio Reguilon? Getting a player is the easy bit, getting the right one is harder.

“If they had wanted, United could have signed Rayan Ait-Nouri from Manchester City this summer, but clearly didn’t see him as a permanent solution.”

Instead of pursuing Ait-Nouri, who has picked up three assists in two appearances across all competitions for Man City this season, the Red Devils went after Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, but the 22-year-old has since penned a new contract at St. James’ Park.

Consequently, United will now have to move on to other targets, and they have now entered contention to sign Club Brugge star Joaquin Seys.

Man Utd open discussions to sign Joaquin Seys

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United have now opened talks to sign Seys, as they are still looking to bring in cover for Shaw, but he is not the only option under consideration, with Adrien Truffert, Tyrick Mitchell and Hall also of interest.

Aston Villa submitted an enquiry regarding a deal for the £35m-rated Club Brugge defender during the summer transfer window, alongside Arsenal, while there could also be competition from Newcastle United, but the Magpies’ interest appears to be more tentative.

Former Dender EH manager Hayk Milkon is clearly a big admirer of the full-back, having described him as a “top player”, and he has made some important contributions for Club Brugge during the opening stages of the Belgian Pro League season.

The 21-year-old has four assists to his name in seven appearances, while he has also impressed at the opposite end of the pitch, averaging 5.5 defensive contributions per 90, which is the third-highest number in the squad.

Perhaps Mitchell and Hall should be Man United’s top targets this winter, given that they are already proven in the Premier League, making 301 appearances in the competition between them, but Seys’s performances in Belgium indicate he could be an exciting alternative option.