Man Utd ‘exploring’ deal for Tottenham defender after switching attention from Chelsea star

Manchester United have reportedly changed their transfer priority with less than 36 hours remaining in the summer market.

The Red Devils are keen to bring in a left-back ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline and have been linked with several high-profile names. Reports on Wednesday indicated that United were prioritising Marc Cucurella on a short-term loan, but it appears the club have not changed tack.

As per The Athletic, United are now ‘seriously considering’ Tottenham Hotspurs defender Sergio Reguilon, after Cucurella represented Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, in the 2-1 win over Wimbledon. It means, Cucurella would be ineligible to represent United in the competition if he were to join the club.

The Athletic add United’s decision will be ‘based on footballing and financial reasons’, and claim that if United were to loan a left-back and send him back to his parent club in January, Cucurella’s appearance on Wednesday would prevent him being able move elsewhere this season. Meanwhile, Reguilon has not played for Spurs in 2023/24.

The Red Devils’ need for cover at full-back arose last week when Luke Shaw suffered a long-term injury that is expected to keep him out for several months. Tyrell Malacia is also unavailable, and United allowed Alex Telles and Brandon Williams to depart this summer before Shaw’s injury.

It leaves the inexperienced Alvaro Fernandez as the only recognised option at left-back in Erik ten Hag’s squad, and the United boss opted to play Diogo Dalot in that role during Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest.

United are also expected to wrap up a deal for Altay Bayindir before the window closes, while the club remain in the hunt for a midfielder. Sofyan Amrabat has been the Red Devils' primary target for weeks, with reports indicating United are struggling to raise the required funds to complete a deal. Ten Hag is also interested in Ryan Gravenberch, but the Bayern Munich man is reportedly close to joining Liverpool.