Jose Mourinho eyes £30m target, Man Utd could represent fresh start

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Antonio Valencia isn’t going to be a fan of this transfer rumour, as it’s claimed that Man Utd are eyeing a £30m move for a right-back.

The Ecuadorian has successfully made the transition from an attacking winger into a defensively sound right back over the last few years, and he has made the position his own under Jose Mourinho.

However, he may well come under increased pressure to keep hold of that spot if Man Utd complete this move, with The Express reporting that Mourinho will launch a £30m bid for Paris Saint-Germain star Thomas Meunier.

It was all going swimmingly for the Belgian international in Paris, as he made 36 appearances in all competitions last season after his move from Club Brugge, but this year has been a little different.

Following the arrival of Dani Alves this past summer, Meunier has been limited to seven appearances so far this year, while he has yet to feature in the Champions League as his new teammate has taken that responsibility alone.

In turn, with one eye on the World Cup in Russia next summer too, the PSG ace will surely want to consider his options in January if his situation doesn’t change, as if the future looks bleak for him in the French capital then he has to look elsewhere for a more prominent role where he’s more valued.

Perhaps it’s also worth noting that Valencia recently turned 32, and so Mourinho will need a long-term solution in that role and while Meunier surely won’t settle for a back-up role at the stage of his career he’s now at, it could be a crucial ploy in getting the deal over the line with a promise of being the number one choice moving forward.

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