Manchester United 'open talks to sign Ligue 1 left-back'

Manchester United are reportedly in discussions with Nice over a potential deal for left-back Melvin Bard during this summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old spent the latter stages of his youth career at Lyon, progressing to first-team level in 2019, and he made 19 appearances for the club before moving to Nice in 2021.

Bard has featured on 109 occasions for his current side, scoring twice and registering four assists, including 28 outings in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.

According to the London Evening Standard, Man United are currently in talks over a deal for Bard in the upcoming market, as a new left-back has become a priority for the club.

The report claims that Nice are keen to open talks with the Frenchman over a new and improved contract, as his current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2026.

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Left-back has become a problematic position for Man United

However, a move to Man United this summer is seen as possible, with the English club's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe having ownership of Nice via his INEOS group.

Luke Shaw is Man United's undisputed first-choice left-back when fit and available, but the England international has been restricted to just 15 appearances this season due to injury.

The ex-Southampton youngster has been missing since aggravating a muscular problem against Luton Town on February 18, and although he is on course to return before the end of the season, there are concerns over the amount of injuries that he is picking up at this stage of his career.

Back-up left-back Tyrell Malacia, meanwhile, has not made a single appearance this term due to a knee injury which has required two separate operations.

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Man United's balance has been impacted by left-back issues

Victor Lindelof, Sofyan Amrabat, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot have all been used at left-back this season due to the team's problems in that area of the field.

A lack of a regular in that position has certainly upset the balance in the side, with Marcus Rashford also suffering due to a lack of familiarity when it comes to the position behind him.

Wan-Bissaka is likely to continue in that area in the coming weeks, as Lindelof is out for a month with a hamstring issue, while Shaw is still some way off being ready to return.

Man United are expected to be active during this summer's transfer window, with a new right-back, centre-back, central midfielder and striker also likely to be targeted.

However, the club's budget will be impacted if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, and their activity will also depend on how much can be raised through player sales.