Manchester United and Tottenham appear to be leading the race for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier, as both clubs see the defender as someone who is an excellent value for money pick. He would cost around £22million, according to reports on ESPN.

However, it is almost an insignificant sum of money for a quality 24-year-old in today’s market. The right back made his move to PSG in 2015 after having earlier spent a season on loan at the club. But it is clear that he is no longer the first choice at the club, as PSG have brought in Dani Alves on a free transfer from Juventus.

Aurier is surplus to requirements and PSG will not think twice about accepting a couple of millions less in order to get him out of the squad. Manchester United are in need of a right back, as we seek a successor for Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian may have signed a contract extension recently, but the 31-year-old does not offer the longevity that our squad needs in this position. Aurier might be interested in the Premier league, but he is expected to cost less than £25million at a time when Kyle Walker has made the switch to Manchester City for an incredible £50million.

It is surprising that PSG are letting him go, as he has been one of the top fullbacks in the French league over the last couple of years. The presence of Valencia would be a major assistance to help him settle at Old Trafford, as there is little pressure on him to perform immediately. Yet, the presence of Tottenham and, possibly, Inter Milan in the mix makes it extremely difficult for United to be certain about signing him in this transfer window.

Spurs are in greater need for a right back, as the departure of Kyle Walker has left the club with a major position to fill for the upcoming season. Inter Milan are also on a spending spree and would like several new faces at the club.

So it is going to be a difficult battle for us to get our hands on Aurier and it will be down to how serious we are about getting him.