According to reports in a number of British publications, Juventus left-back Alex Sandro has agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a potential £53 million move. The Red Devils are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements and have also been linked with the likes of Milan Skriniar and Toby Alderweireld.
Sandro is regarded as one of the top left-backs in the world at present, but was surprisingly left out of Brazil's World Cup squad with coach Tite preferring the more effervescent Marcelo to go with Filipe Luis as his deputy.
Reputed journalist Duncan Castles all but confirmed Sandro's move on The Transfer Podcast, saying, “This summer United have decided to go for Alex Sandro. They have put a deal in place with the player, the player wants to (join) and Juventus are holding out for up to 60million euros (£53m). They (Juventus) have seen the market and are thinking they can cash in big time.'
The 27-year-old is reportedly set to receive a five million euros a season at United.
Sandro's arrival would solve Manchester United's long-standing problem at left-back. Luke Shaw was supposed to be the saviour after arriving from Southampton but he struggled to cement a spot in the starting line-up and numerous injury concerns forced Jose Mourinho to play Ashley Young at left-back to limited success.
Shaw has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford as he looks to revive a stalling career and Sandro's arrival could be the last straw.
Mourinho is also looking to offload a lot of the deadweight at the club with Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo also expected to be shown the exit doors. That bodes well for Sandro who will not have much competition for a starting spot.
The Brazilian, who still has two years left on his current contract at Juventus, made 26 appearances in the Serie A and played a major role in the Italian side's charge to a domestic double.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are well on course to creating a squad capable of dethroning champions Manchester City, having already completed the signings of Diogo Dalot and Fred.