Manchester United's mixed transfer window is drawing to a close, with a new left-back at the top of the club's wish-list. Michael Carrick's side have recruited in midfield, with Carlos Baleba joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans through the door.
However, there will be frustration if United don't strengthen on the left side of defence. An alternative to Luke Shaw is needed, with the long-serving left-back in the final year of his contract.
Rashford interest
Lewis Hall is a long-time target but Newcastle have issued a strong hands-off warning. There are also calls for United to freshen up their attack. As for potential outgoings, speculation about Marcus Rashford's future continues to rage after he rejected a move to Fenerbahce.
Despite being reintegrated into the squad, talk of Rashford leaving refuses to go away. The latest link involves Arsenal, who have agreed to let Gabriel Martinelli join Al Hilal before Tuesday's deadline. According to the Independent, the Premier League champions are weighing up whether to launch a loan bid for the enigmatic forward.
Whether United would sanction a third loan move for Rashford is unclear, but they could at least expect the Gunners to cover the bulk of his £325,000 per week wages. A bigger priority for the Gunners is Atletico Madrid's wantaway striker, Julian Alvarez, whose dream move to Barcelona has been blocked by his club.
Time's up for Shaw
There has also been surprise talk that Barcelona haven't completely ruled out re-signing Rashford, despite not taking up the option to take him permanently after last season's loan. According to TeamTalk, Barca remain in contract with Rashford's camp.
Patrice Evra has told United to sign a replacement for Shaw. Despite having plenty of respect for his fellow left-back, the Frenchman believes it is time to move on from the 30-year-old, whose Old Trafford career has been marred by injury.
Speaking on his Kick stream, Evra slammed Shaw's performance at Hull last weekend. He said: "What I'm really disappointed about is all the back passes in that game. Luke Shaw, I love you, but it's going to be a tough season for him."
"Why? He's been at the club for years, he's had a lot of injuries that killed his football career. When I talk with him, he's still traumatised by [the injuries], he wouldn't go 100 per cent into every challenge."
"I have to tell the truth. Man United fans want to hear my opinion, and I think [Shaw's] time has gone. Don't get me wrong, he might have a great game next game, but I don't care. If Luke Shaw can give me a 35-game season, then that's a good season."
"I don't care if he has 10 good games and three bad ones, if he doesn't play at least 35 games in a row, Man United fans will go crazy. He's lucky because he's English. I love Luke Shaw, but I love Man United even more. That's why I'm saying they need another left-back."
