Top News

Manchester United looked at a move for Argentina international Nicolas Tagliafico during the recent summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd did manage to reshape their midfield over the summer with the arrivals of Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos. However, INEOS made the unexpected decision not to bring in a new left-back to give Luke Shaw stronger competition and cover.

United were informed that Newcastle would not sell their leading target Lewis Hall, while the Red Devils were also unsuccessful with late moves for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri.

On 28 August, Romano said United were holding internal talks over signing a Sergio Reguilon-type player, with the aim of adding an experienced left-back to Michael Carrick’s squad.

“Manchester United, I think, could be busy in these final four or five days of the window,” he said.

“I can guarantee you that Manchester United are still looking for a solution at left-back. United are working to add a new left-back.

“I would not be surprised if they end up with a solution in a player who can be almost a guarantee – maybe not a superstar name like Balde, because they considered Alejandro Balde.

“They had a call with Jorge Mendes one week ago, but the deal is too expensive: transfer fee and salary too expensive. United are not going to do that, at least not now.

“Just as a comparison, remember when United signed Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham on loan – something similar.

“Obviously, I’m not saying it’s that exact profile again, but that kind of player: an experienced left-back who can provide competition and who also has an international profile.

“Manchester United are exploring this kind of option. Left-back is expected to be an area United want to improve before the deadline. I expect them to sign there.”

Romano has now disclosed that Lyon’s Tagliafico became one of United’s targets in the closing stages of the summer window.

“There was [a] kind of secret name discussed internally at Manchester United,” the journalist said in his latest video.

“You probably remember if you are a friend of the channel when I told you there is going to be, among options, a kind of Reguilon player.

“You remember when Man Utd signed Reguilon from Tottenham, and he did quite well at the club.

“So, [a] kind of experienced option. Not Balde, so not a top, top name, but an experienced name. A player with good quality who can help for the rest of the season.

“That name was Nico Tagliafico. Tagliafico was under consideration at Manchester United.

“Also, Juventus and Atletico Madrid tried to sign him, but it was not possible on deadline day; it was too late.

“But Tagliafico was also under consideration at Manchester United. Then they decided not to proceed, so it was United’s choice not to advance anymore.”