Manchester United are reportedly prepared to take the next step in the pursuit of Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez.
The 23-year-old has impressed during the opening months of the 2024-25 term, with scouts of Arsenal and Liverpool supposedly watching the player in September during a Champions League match.
Gutierrez was part of the highly-successful Girona side that defied all expectations in Spain last term, qualifying for the Champions League alongside powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The left-back made the permanent switch from Los Blancos to Estadi Municipal de Montilivi during the summer of 2022 and has since played 98 competitive matches, scoring six goals.
Gutierrez is a regular for Girona and is known for providing a constant source of creativity on the flanks, contributing nine assists last term.
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Man United identify Girona's Gutierrez as left-back solution?
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have made the signing of a first-team left-back their main priority ahead of the January transfer window.
The report claims that the Red Devils are very keen on the securing the services of Gutierrez, who is said to be pushing for a move away from the Spanish club.
With his current deal expiring in 2027, Man United will look to trigger the £28.8m release clause in the defender's contract in order to bag a bargain.
There is a complication to a potential Old Trafford switch for Gutierrez, though, with former club Real Madrid owed 50% of any future sale.
As well as Ruben Amorim's men, it is believed that Bayern Munich are monitoring the Paris 2024 gold medalist amid concerns over the future of Alphonso Davies.
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Other left-back targets and Shaw struggles
Just three competitive appearances after his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury, Man United's Shaw suffered another fitness setback earlier this month.
The England international picked up a slight hamstring issue in training, meaning that he is now set to miss the majority of the festive schedule.
Due to the 29-year-old's persistent unavailability, Man United are doing the right thing in searching for permanent alternatives to Shaw.
On top of Girona's Gutierrez, it is believed that the Red Devils are also interested in sealing the services of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Carter White
