Manchester United 'add Nicolas Tagliafico to left-back shortlist'

Manchester United have reportedly identified Lyon defender Nicolas Tagliafico as a potential transfer target.

With United having signed a new goalkeeper, creative midfielder and forward, attention was expected to turn to acquiring a new centre-back and central midfielder.

Head coach Erik ten Hag allegedly remains keen to strengthen in each of those areas, but his focus has needed to turn to the left-back area.

Luke Shaw - who also acts as a central-defensive option - has been ruled out for a number of months with a muscle injury, while Tyrell Malacia is also currently on the sidelines.

Diogo Dalot is capable of deputising at left-back, but Ten Hag views the Portugal international as his preferred option on the right, currently being occupied by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

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United have been heavily linked with a wide array of names since the weekend, including Chelsea's Marc Cucurella who may be available on a loan deal.

Barcelona's Marcos Alonso, Brentford's Rico Henry and Leicester City's Luke Thomas have also been suggested as potential options for the Red Devils.

According to the Daily Mail, Tagliafico is another name that has been added to Ten Hag's shortlist.

The Dutch boss is no stranger to working with the Argentina international due to their time together at Ajax, where the left-sided player was a regular in the side.

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Tagliafico has since moved to Lyon where he has made a total of 40 appearances since joining the French club last summer, contributing two goals and five assists.

With two years remaining on Tagliafico's contract, Lyon are unlikely to want to sell one of their key players, despite the prospect of making a considerable profit on the €4.2m that they shelled out in 2022.

The report claims that Lyon may be open to considering a loan switch with the obligation of a permanent transfer, with a straight loan seemingly off the table.

United may theoretically bide their time before pushing forward with their choice at left-back, a consequence of having to weigh up a number of issues to meet FFP criteria.