Manchester United to offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan in bid to beat Chelsea to sign Alex Sandro, but Juventus want cash plus Daley Blind
Armenian has struggled to make Red Devils bench after suffering poor form and could head Jose Mourinho's chop list
MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to rival Chelsea in the battle to sign Alex Sandro — and will offer out-of-favour Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a bid to cure their left-back woes.
Antonio Conte had made the Brazilian a top summer target as he looked to improve on his title-winning starting XI.
However, the Blues were unable to agree a deal with Juventus and Sandro, 26, stayed in Turin.
The former Porto man has lost his place in the side following the emergence of Kwadwo Asamoah, and United believe they have an opportunity to sign him in the winter transfer window.
Juventus prefer a player plus cash transaction in the summer, but would reluctantly sell this January without any exchange should a £50million offer come their away.
Mkhitaryan has lost his place in the United starting XI following a string of poor performances and could be set to leave Old Trafford in January.
The reigning Serie A champions are keen on the Armenian, but Massimiliano Allegri is also a fan of versatile Dutchman Daley Blind.
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However, Barcelona are also understood to have an interest in the former Ajax man.
The variety of players United could potentially offer Juve — as well as their transfer war chest — gives them a massive advantage over Chelsea.
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Jose Mourinho is desperate for a new left-back with Luke Shaw, the only recognised player in that position, clearly not fancied.
Ashley Young has filled in well this season, but is not a long-term solution.
Sandro had been billed as one of the best around following a string of impressive performances en route to the Champions League final last season.
He currently earns around £85,000-a-week in Turin, but would ready to increase that to around £120,000.