Pranav Nair
Manchester United keen on Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro
According to Italian publication Calciomercato (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are interested in both Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro.
The Juventus pair is considered expendable in the summer transfer window. The Italian champions are keen to restructure their finances and view the duo as marketable commodities. (h/t The Sun)
Costa is seen as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho. A move for the youngster is under threat after United refused to meet the German giants’ £108million asking price for the player.
Valued at £36m by Juventus, Costa is considerably cheaper than Sancho. The Italians are also keen to get rid of him and his considerable £5.4m post-tax wages.
According to the report, there is speculation of an opening bid worth £27m being made. Although a talented player, Costa’s impact has been stymied this season due to his injuries.
In-fact the 29-year-old has missed 46 games due to a number injuries in the past two years.
Costa still has two years left to go on his contract and is keen to stay put in Turin. Whether his stance will change in the future or not remains to be seen.
A new solution at left-back?
The winger is not the only Samba star in United’s sights. His Juventus teammate Alex Sandro is also on the Red Devils’ radar. (h/t The Sun)
Valued at a similar £36m, Sandro was Juventus’ preferred option at left-back last season. Aged 29, the Old Lady is keen to see him replaced by a younger and cheaper alternative. The Brazilian had earlier been linked with moves to both PSG and Chelsea.
Luke Shaw is United’s first-choice left-back. The club, however, lacks an experienced cover and have often used Brandon Williams in Shaw’s absence.
The youngster has struggled of late and still has much to learn before he can compete at the highest level. Given his age, Sandro can be an excellent short-term solution until Williams hones his trade.
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The report also goes on to say that Juventus are not averse to swap deals should money become an issue. The Italians were earlier keen on Paul Pogba but are not expected to make a move this summer. (h/t The Sun)
With the new season fast approaching, United must move fast to secure their signings this window.
