Jose Mourinho is reportedly checking about a possible move for Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba. The Portuguese gaffer had suffered a lot in the last season regarding a permanent solution to the full back problem and is determined to bring a proper defender in the summer.
Mourinho has been in the thick of the action in the transfer business and has handed United CEO Ed Woodward a list of his transfer targets for this summer. United will be looking to bolster their defence especially after an on and off performances from the defenders last season.
Luke Shaw has failed to earn the trust of Mourinho and the gaffer even publicly criticised his attitude. Shaw is definitely not the player Mourinho has been looking for and the pursuit of Alba has garnered momentum from that moment.
Mourinho had to deploy Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian occasionally on the left side and although the latter has done quite well in his unorthodox position, the manager is reluctant to spend another campaign without a proper left back.
Alba was quite frustrated with the fact that he has been ignored on a number of eventful matches, with Luis Enrique opting for Lucas Digne in those games. It has not gone down well with the 28-year-old who is regarded as one of the most esteemed left backs currently in Europe.
The Spanish international still has three years to run on his contract but United think if a proper offer is tabled, negotiations are bound to happen. But with the appointment of new manager Ernesto Valverde, a place in the starting lineup might be up for grabs for the Spanish defender.
Mourinho is a fan of the player and will be trying heavily to bring him to Old Trafford but the defender wants to challenge himself under the new coach as Valverde is yet to take his decision whether he wants to include the player in his plans or not.
Alba will be looking for more game time with an eye on the World Cup next year. If he finds himself surplus to requirements of the new manager at the Camp Nou, he will surely be looking for another club where he could find regular chances to play.
Shaw still has the potential to succeed under Mourinho and has already started his own fitness regime to stay fit for the upcoming season. The 21-year-old has been struggling to find a foothold since his double leg break in 2015.
Mourinho hasn’t taken a decision on Shaw’s future but an alternate left back is certainly topping his shopping list and this might see Alba move to Old Trafford this summer.
