Barcelona left-back Marcos Alonso has reportedly turned down a two-year contract offer from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are currently light in the left-back department as both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are facing extended periods on the sidelines with muscle injuries.
Alvaro Fernandez – who has been linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford – is the only natural left-back option available to manager Erik ten Hag, who is keen to delve into the transfer market and reinforce his defence before the window closes on Friday.
Man United have recently been credited with an interest in a plethora of left-backs including former Chelsea man Alonso, who has been linked with a possible summer exit from Barcelona.
According to Spanish news outlet Marca, the Red Devils have expressed their desire to sign Alonso on an initial season-long loan deal and will offer the 32-year-old a 12-month extension when his contract at Barca expires in June 2024.
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However, the Daily Mail claims that Alonso has decided to turn down the offer of a return to the Premier League in favour of staying at Barca.
Alonso is said to be determined to fight for his place under head coach Xavi, even though Alejandro Balde is currently regarded as the first-choice left-back at Camp Nou, while the impending arrival of Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City could also see him compete for starts at either left-back or right-back.
The nine-cap Spain international started his first game of the season in a thrilling 4-3 victory at Villarreal in La Liga last weekend, having previously been left out of the matchday squad for Barca's opening two top-flight matches.
Alonso joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer, but he only started 11 league fixtures for Xavi's side, with Balde and Jordi Alba preferred on the left side of defence – the latter of whom has now departed and joined Inter Miami.
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During his time at Chelsea, Alonso made 154 Premier League appearances between 2016 and 2022 and he primarily operated as a wing-back, scoring 25 goals and registering 19 assists as well as winning the 2016-17 title under former boss Antonio Conte.
Alonso, who also won the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, represented Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland earlier in his career.
Now that Alonso is set to remain in Catalonia this summer, Man United are expected to turn their attention to other left-back targets including Chelsea's Marc Cucurella and Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon, who are both struggling for regular game time at their respective clubs.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have reportedly made an enquiry to Brentford to discuss the availability of left-back Rico Henry.
Oliver Thomas
