According to reports from The Telegraph this morning, Manchester United are targeting three right-backs for the summer window.
The news will come as little surprise to Red Devils supporters – in the prolonged absence of suspiciously chubby Brazilian Rafael, industrious winger Antonio Valencia has filled in at No.2 for the majority of the season.
Now 29 years of age and somewhat blunted going forward in comparison to his earlier years, it’s by no means a bad fit for the Ecuador international. But the role of the full-back has become more integral than ever in the modern game and an out-and-out right-back could hugely improve United’s structure both on and off the ball.
The English newspaper moots several sources in regards to their three potential targets, starting with Spanish publication Sport’s claim that the former Premier League champions are one of seven clubs chasing after Barcelona’s Dani Alves.
The Brazil international, aged 31, has been arguably the best right-back in Europe over the last decade, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with the Catalan giants, but looks set to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer this summer when his contract comes to an end.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne remains an alternative, in a rumour borrowed from The Express. The 23 year-old has averaged the second-most tackles per match of any Premier League defender this term, 3.5, after Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta, 4, and in the absence of any genuine competition is now a shoe-in for the England national team.
He’ll have just a year left on his contract this summer, so the Saints will feel obliged to accept decent offers. A report from Mirror Football in January however, claimed Clyne would decide upon his future – and a new St. Mary’s deal – in April, so we could see some movement on this front over the next couple of weeks.
And finally, The Metro report United are also in the hunt for Porto’s prodigious defender Danilo, for lack of a better comparison, the natural successor to Dani Alves – sharing nationality and style with the Barca ace. Many assumed the 23 year-old would be on his way to Real Madrid this summer, but recent denial of those rumours by the attacking full-back has put the Red Devils back in the race for his signature.
Which right-back would you prefer to see at Old Trafford next season? Comment below!