Juventus’ desire to hold onto Alex Sandro in the January window could clear the path for Manchester United to sign him ahead of Chelsea, according to reports.
The left-sided Brazilian has excelled since moving to Turin and is seen as the ideal signing by both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, who are desperate to strengthen their left flanks.
United have been forced to make Ashley Young their first-choice left-back, while Conte is still keen to sign cover and competition for Marcos Alonso.
But The Independent report that Juventus have no intention of allowing Sandro to leave this month, given that his departure would require a drastic defensive restructure.
A back-line that made it to the Champions League final last season was ripped apart in the summer, with both Dani Alves and Leonardo Bonucci leaving for PSG and AC Milan respectively.
As such, Juve have little desire to lose yet another member of their back-line with only a few weeks to find a replacement – and weirdly that could suit United in the race to sign Sandro next summer.
Chelsea’s need for another left-sided player is much more pressing, with Kenedy the only other option, though even he could be loaned out in January.
If Juve will not budge on Sandro in January, Conte will move onto other targets; they have already been linked with a move for Porto star Alex Telles by the Portuguese press.
But United have several options at left-back – such as Daley Blind and Luke Shaw, once the most expensive teenager in history – which could give them a free run at Sandro in the summer.
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