Manchester United are reportedly set to fight it out with Barcelona over the signing of Valencia defender Joao Cancelo.
Jose Mourinho has been using Antonio Valencia as his first-choice right-back so far this season, and the Ecuadorian international has responded with a string of impressive displays.
He continued that run of good form against Liverpool on Monday night, making a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Roberto Firmino what looked to be a certain goal, while playing an important overall role in their draw.
However, according to Marca, that hasn’t stopped United from considering their options in the transfer market as Mourinho looks to address that area of his squad.
The Portuguese tactician has subbed Matteo Darmian for the most part this year, with the Italian ace making just one appearance all season, which came in the Europa League.
In turn, it’s no real surprise to hear further speculation linking the Red Devils with a move for a defender to feature on the right side.
Cancelo joined Valencia from Benfica last summer, and has established himself as a key player for the La Liga outfit while featuring in all eight league games so far this season.
Further, he also secured his international debut with Portugal in August, and it appears as though the 22-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
It’s claimed in the report that he’s valued at around £27m, and so with United and Barcelona both monitoring him, the European giants will have to dig deep into their pockets to prise him away from the Mestalla.
Luis Enrique is also in the market for a right-back as he hasn’t settled on a replacement since Dani Alves moved to Juventus this past summer, and so he’ll have to potentially go head-to-head with Mourinho over Cancelo.