Patrick Rees
Manchester United are currently monitoring a certain Spanish under-21 left-back Aaron Martin, sources from ESPN have reported.
The 20-year-old defender was in action for Espanyol in a 0-0 draw against Levante on Friday night and the aforementioned source has claimed that United’s scouts were present at the venue as they were asked to keep track of him. Furthermore, United are believed to have informed the scouts to monitor his further progress as well.
Martin, who was born in Catalonia, joined Espanyol’s youth setup in 2005, and in October 2016, made his senior team debut. Till date, the 20-year-old has made 30 appearances for Espanyol and has represented Spain at every age group. Martin only signed a new long-term deal with Espanyol last January – which runs until 2022 – yet there remains a massive uncertainty about his future at the club. Sources claim that it is hard to imagine him staying at RCDE Stadium beyond next summer or even beyond this January transfer window.
But seizing him away from Espanyol won’t be a walk in the park given that his club won’t entertain any bid less than €40m, which is actually his buyout clause. Besides, Daily Mail has quoted that Manchester City are in the race as well. Not only did United’s scouts watch the youngster, but City’s representatives were there as well.
City’s urgency to sign a left-back has been made certain amidst Benjamin Mendy’s absence. The Frenchman is expected to miss the majority of the season, hence, we can certainly expect a bid from Manchester City for Martin this January. Manchester United, on their part, were linked with Barcelona’s Jordi Alba over the summer, but ESPN quoted that the deal failed to materialise for some reasons. Besides, the same source once credited Manchester United with an interest for Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon, but the youngster eventually decided to stay put.
Jose Mourinho seems to have found that perfect balance in his team, yet the left-back spot remains a thing to worry. The likes of Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian are available for the Portuguese, yet no one has been able to book a permanent slot whatsoever.
Let’s see if a move materialises for Martin or not.
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