Barcelona ‘eye up’ move for highly-rated Manchester United defender

Barcelona are keeping tabs on Alex Telles, with the club reportedly monitoring the Manchester United left-back’s situation.

According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona would like cover for experienced left-back Jordi Alba, and have listed Telles on their five-man shortlist.

Also among their targets are Juventus’ Alex Sandro, Ajax’s Nicolas Tagiafico, Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro.

Alba is the only senior left-back at the Nou Camp, which explains why Barcelona are reportedly so keen to add cover in that area.

Would United let Telles go?

Since joining the Red Devils in October 2020, Telles has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the team and has seen his places limited by the performances of Luke Shaw.

Even this season, with the England defender not playing to the same standards, Telles has only made 10 appearances, seven of which have come in the league.

He did start last weekend against Aston Villa due to Shaw’s suspension, and has featured more under Ralf Rangnick than during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time at the club.

Speaking recently to United’s club website, the interim manager said: “Even when Luke was injured or when he was fit, he [Telles] still did well. I’m more than happy to have two players like Luke and Alex for that position as a left-back. I think Alex is a little more of an offensive, wing-back full-back.”

There’s no denying Telles is a good option for United to call upon, and his recent return to the Brazil squad highlights how highly he is rated in his homeland.

But at 29, if Barcelona were to offer a significant fee for Telles, it may represent a good opportunity for United to cash in on a player who isn’t seen as an automatic first choice.

In the long-term, the Red Devils also have Brandon Williams, with the on-loan Norwich City man representing an obvious replacement for Telles if he were to depart Old Trafford.