Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Jorge Salinas after Racing Santander's sporting director Chema Aragon admitted the club would be powerless if a 'giant' comes in for the young defender.
United's left-back search
United have focused on landing a left-back this summer, having already strengthened midfield with the additions of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Lewis Hall emerged as the primary target, but Newcastle have reportedly ruled out a move, insisting the 21-year-old England international is not for sale.
As a result, United have scoured the market for alternatives, including Fulham's Antonee Robinson, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Racing Santander's Salinas.
Aragon's admission
When quizzed on the rumours surrounding Salinas, Aragon said: 'There's little you can do if a giant appears. We value the assets we have, we consider them important. For the club, at this time, there is no other option than to try to strengthen the team and not weaken it by losing stars. The reality is that the club that wants him has to come along with an offer.'
United are prepared to pay Salinas' €16m (£13.7m) release clause in full should they give up hope of signing Hall. Aragon confirmed Racing Santander would do everything to convince the youngster to stay, but admitted the situation would be 'complicated' should a 'significant' bid come in.
Salinas' potential
Salinas, 19, has one full year of first-team football under his belt but is considered one of Spain's brightest young talents. He played an instrumental role in Racing Santander's promotion-winning season last term and impressed at the European Under-19 Championship, where Spain emerged triumphant.
United's hierarchy are confident Salinas could compete with Luke Shaw for minutes at left-back immediately. His contract with Racing Santander runs until June 2029, and he has made 37 appearances for the club since his debut in 2024, chipping in with seven assists.
