United set to raid Arsenal for Hector Bellerin
Despite Alexis Sanchez’s struggle to hit top form since joining Manchester United from rivals Arsenal back in January, manager Jose Mourinho is prepared to raid the North London club again, this time to sign right-back Hector Bellerin, according to the Mirror. The Spain international, who made his Gunners debut as an 18-year-old back in 2013, has established himself as one of Europe’s finest full-backs and is reportedly considering his future at the Emirates Stadium.
United, however, must battle it out with Italian giants Juventus for Bellerin’s signature and both sides must be willing to meet Arsenal’s reported £50 million of the player. The 23-year-old has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three times in what has been a largely underwhelming campaign for the Gunners.
Uncertainty continues to surround Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s future and it is believed that Bellerin has grown disillusioned with life in North London, with the Gunners set to miss out on Champions League football for a second consecutive season, unless they can get their hands on the Europa League trophy in May. United, for their part, are expected to invest heavily in their squad during the summer months as they look to close the gap with champions-elect and arch-rivals Manchester City. Whilst Antonio Valencia has made the right-back position his own at Old Trafford, the Ecuador international will turn 33 in August and Mourinho must look to the future, making Bellerin an interesting target.
United target Toby Alderweireld could be allowed to leave Tottenham this summer
Bellerin is not the only player United are set to raid North London for, with the Daily Mail reporting that Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld will be allowed to leave the club in the summer, as the Reds keep a close eye on the Belgium international’s situation.
The 29-year-old has developed into one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders since moving to Spurs from Atletico Madrid in 2015 but his future under Mauricio Pochettino has been called into question recently. With just over a year remaining on his current deal, Spurs may opt to sell Alderweireld to the highest bidder, having so far failed to tie the Belgian down to a new long-term deal. Whilst injuries have hampered the former Southampton loanee’s season, restricting him to just 17 appearances in all competitions, the arrival of Davinson Sanchez has helped sideline the in-demand defender.
United have spent big on centre-backs in the last couple of years, bringing in Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, with the former proving to be a solid investment, whilst the latter is taking his time to adapt to the rigours of the English game. Signing Alderweireld would undoubtedly bolster the Reds’ ranks at the back and add strength in depth to a United side desperate to land a 21st league title and chase a fourth European Cup.
Luke Shaw looks to win over Jose Mourinho over international break
Meanwhile, much-maligned United left-back Luke Shaw is determined to win over Mourinho and fight for his first-team place by putting in extra training during the current international break. According to the Manchester Evening News, the 22-year-old will make the most of his lack of involvement with the England national team by putting in extra work on the training pitch and get himself up to maximum fitness. Shaw, who, not for the first time this season, was publicly criticised by Mourinho during last weekend’s FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion, has been linked with a move from Old Trafford in order to fulfil his potential and get regular first-team football. However, the left-back is reportedly keen on making his mark at United and is hoping to make the position his own, ahead of the veteran Ashley Young.