Man United 'handed major transfer boost' as Real Madrid 'withdraw' from defender race

Man United have allegedly secured a deal for Diego Leon, with the 17-year-old set to move to Old Trafford from Cerro Porteno next summer, but the Red Devils also want to bring in a senior left-back.

Alphonso Davies is believed to be their 'dream target', with the Canada international's contract at Bayern Munich due to expire next summer, but a move for the 24-year-old will be incredibly difficult if the English giants fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Girona's Miguel Gutierrez is also said to be an option, but Real Madrid are in pole position to re-sign the Spaniard.

Hernandez is also being linked with a switch to the 20-time English champions, with the Frenchman certainly fitting the profile of a left-back who is capable of playing as a wing-back in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system.

Real Madrid 'withdraw' from Hernandez race

Real Madrid have also been linked with the 27-year-old, but according to Fichajes, the Spanish giants have decided against making a move for him during next summer's transfer window.

The report claims that Real Madrid are focusing on other priorities, which has opened the door for Man United to launch a bid for the defender, who is said to be keen to discuss a switch to Old Trafford.

Hernandez - thought to be valued in the region of €50m (£41.6m) by Milan - has scored twice and provided two assists in 18 appearances for his Italian side during the 2024-25 campaign.

The 27-year-old made the move to San Siro from Real Madrid in 2019, and he has represented his current side on 231 occasions in all competitions, scoring 31 goals and registering 41 assists in the process.

Hernandez is also capable of playing in the middle of the defence, and with Man United playing a back three under Amorim, his versatility could be invaluable for the 20-time English champions.

Will Shaw, Malacia stay at Man United?

Tyrell Malacia is recently back from almost 18 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, and he was given another start against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League last time out.

There is huge uncertainty when it comes to the Dutchman's long-term future at Old Trafford, though, as it is unclear whether he features in the plans of new head coach Amorim.

Luke Shaw, meanwhile, worked his way back from a calf issue before suffering a hamstring problem, with the England international not expected to be available again until 2025.

There are huge concerns when it comes to Shaw's ongoing fitness problems, but even if Man United keep faith with him, it is believed that Amorim views him as more of an option for the left-sided centre-back role rather than the wing-back spot.

Diogo Dalot has been required in that position this season, but the Portugal international is more comfortable down the right.

Written by

Matt Law