Manchester United have made an approach to Manchester City over a deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri on deadline day, according to reports.
United have been in the market to sign a new left-back all summer but have been unable to reach an agreement with Newcastle United over a deal for their first-choice target Lewis Hall.
Barcelona’s 22-year-old left-back Alejandro Balde has also been considered by United but the defender wants to fight for his place in Hansi Flick’s side.
According to talkSPORT, United made a late loan offer to City for Ait-Nouri on Tuesday.
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However, City sources believe a deal is unlikely and talks will not progress further than United’s initial enquiry.
City signed Ait-Nouri in a £31 million deal from Wolves last summer but the start of his time under Pep Guardiola was disputed by an ankle injury.
Ait-Nouri then missed five of City’s games during the winter after he was called up by Algeria for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The 25-year-old is yet to feature under Enzo Maresca this season as he was left on the bench for City’s wins over Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick insists he is ‘pleased’ with United’s transfer activity this summer, despite their inability to sign a new left-back.
“I think the situation that we’re in, I think the business that we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with,’ Carrick said after United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town on Sunday.
‘I think we’re a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team, you know. Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing.
‘So, in that respect, we’re quite happy. We’re always open to if there’s something else to be able to add, so I wouldn’t shut that down, but as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.’
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