Premier League giants make late move for Barcelona star

Barcelona have all but secured the signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City and addressed their crisis at right-back for at least the current campaign, as the Portuguese will put pen to paper on a season-long loan deal.

However, Barca now might find themselves a bit short on the opposite flank, as Marcos Alonso has attracted interest from Manchester United.

The English giants are in the market for a new left-back following injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. As per the Telegraph, United have three left-backs on their shortlist. The first is La Masia graduate Marc Cucurella, who has failed to show his talents at Chelsea.

The second is former Real Madrid sensation Sergio Reguilón followed by Marcos Alonso, who incidentally also started his professional career with Los Blancos.

Barcelona star Marcos Alonso on Manchester United’s radar

Reports in Spain suggest Alonso is United’s preferred target. According to MARCA, they have already made an offer to Alonso, proposing a one-year loan deal and then a one-year contract for a permanent transfer upon the end of the loan deal.

The Spaniard moved to the Catalan side on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer and proved to be a quality squad option for Xavi, who deployed him at both left-back and centre-back. He played as the left-sided centre-back against United in the Europa League play-offs first leg tie at Camp Nou.

Xavi clearly appreciated his overall contribution, leading to Barcelona extending his contract by another season. But United’s late move could now alter their plans.

The good thing is that the defending La Liga champions are now well-covered at the heart of defence following the signing of left-footed centre-back Iñigo Martínez. Cancelo’s impending arrival would also solve any potential depth issue at left-back, as the Portugal international has previously shown he’s capable of doing well on both flanks.