Manchester United favourites to agree £25m signing of La Liga star – report




Jordi Alba is seemingly on the verge of an exit from Barcelona after falling out of favour under Luis Enrique. Even though the manager is set to depart the Camp Nou in the summer, Alba is believed to have made up his mind to go in search of new pastures. Manchester United have been showing an interest in the left-sided defender for quite a while. Now, it is believed that they are moving ever closer towards securing the signature of the 28-year-old. After having been an important player for Barcelona right from 2012, Alba has managed just 16 starts in the league this season.

The former Valencia defender was signed by Barcelona for just €14 million. Even though he has a contract with the Catalan outfit until the summer of 2020, he appears to be on the way out. The £25 million-rated left back has had no shortage of interest with top clubs across European football registering an interest in the player. Chelsea are thought to have been one of the club’s showing an interest in the attacking full-back. The Blues do not have any real replacement for Marcos Alonso, and Alba would be a great addition to the squad. Yet, he would excel much more at Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho’s public criticism of Luke Shaw may have stirred the player to come up with some good performances in the last few matches, but doubts over the long-term future of the player remain. United have been made as clear favourites to sign Alba by bookmakers, a clear sign that the player’s next destination may be Old Trafford, The Manchester Evening News reports.

United may not spend heavily on improving the defence. The club have largely been linked with midfielders and forwards over the last few weeks. Jose Mourinho is thought to be more than happy with his defensive options. Alba could be the exception, as his arrival would let Mourinho to sell either Daley Blind or Luke Shaw. Alba is an immense threat going forward, although the same cannot be said of his defensive qualities. On paper, he would suit Chelsea’s wingback system that places less importance on defending. Arsenal are also in the mix, but Jose Mourinho’s persuasion skills may just be the trump card.



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