Manchester United Eye €35m Rayan Aït-Nouri

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Manchester City's Rayan Aït-Nouri as the January transfer window looms over the Premier League. The club is believed to be willing to pay up to €35m for the French left-back, who could potentially strengthen their defence ahead of key matches in the second half of the season. With Arsenal's Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié also on Barcelona sport director Deco's list of centre-back targets, Manchester United may face stiff competition for Aït-Nouri's signature.

Manchester United's interest in Rayan Aït-Nouri is believed to have originated from the club's need for a new left-back following an injury to their current player. The Frenchman has been a regular starter for Manchester City, but his absence from the team could provide an opportunity for him to join Manchester United. Deco, Barcelona sport director, revealed on social media that Hincapé is one of the centre-back targets he is looking at, stating 'We are in search of a new centre-back and Piero is one of our options.' However, Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori remains preferred over Hincapie as the club's left-back. The comments from Deco have sparked speculation about Barcelona's intentions to sign the Ecuadorian defender, who has been linked with several Premier League clubs including Everton, Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to discuss Ait-Nouri's potential transfer with his coaching staff, while Rayan Aït-Nouri himself is said to be open to a move to the Theatre of Dreams. The French left-back has been in good form for Manchester City this season and may be tempted by the prospect of playing regular football at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Piero Hincapé's future at Arsenal remains uncertain after being dropped from the starting lineup, with some sources suggesting that the Ecuadorian defender may be willing to listen to offers from other clubs. The Barcelona manager Xavi is also expected to hold talks with his coaching staff about Hincapé's potential signing, but the club's defensive needs will need to be addressed before a move can be made.