Thomas Hein
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Barcelona star Jordi Alba and his contract situation, according to Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The report claims that the Red Devils have been alerted by a standoff between the parties regarding a contract extension and the player hasn’t signed a new deal yet.
Alba would be a free agent come the end of next season, as per the report, but is Barcelona’s No.1 left-back currently.
The 29-year-old has played both Champions League ties and has started seven La Liga games for the Spanish champions. Alba has scored one goal and assisted four in all competitions so far, and is one of the best attacking left-backs in the world.
Another attacking left-back at United?
Manchester United already have a decent left-back in Luke Shaw. The Englishman was criticised by Jose Mourinho previously but has pulled up his socks this season.
Shaw has arguably been our best player this season and pulled out of the England squad for the international break.
Alba might be an upgrade on Shaw, given the Spaniard’s final product, but the player is 29 and might not come on the cheap.
Shaw is the younger defender and is yet to reach his prime while Alba could be in the twilight of his career in a couple of years.
It will be interesting to see how this story develops for all parties involved. The January window is a couple of months away, and United could be in the market for a few players.
