Manchester United are considering a short-term signing at left-back and have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as the transfer deadline approaches.
The club have already invested around £150 million in midfield this summer, with Andrey Santos arriving from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans joining from Aston Villa and Carlos Baleba arriving from Brighton. However, Michael Carrick's squad is not yet complete, with defensive reinforcements still being sought.
Left-back search proves frustrating
Strengthening the left-back position has become increasingly important, with Luke Shaw entering the final year of his contract and manager Michael Carrick seemingly viewing Patrick Dorgu primarily as a winger rather than a natural full-back.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says a loan move for a left-back is now being considered before the window shuts, potentially mirroring the club's decision to sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham on a temporary deal in 2023.
"I will not be surprised if they [United] end up with a solution for a player who can be almost a guarantee, so maybe not a superstar name like Balde, because they considered Balde... but the deal is too expensive," he said on his YouTube show.
"But just as a comparison, you remember when United signed Sergio Reguilon? [It will be] something similar. That kind of player, an experienced left-back who can provide competition and also an international profile."
Chelsea defenders linked
According to talkSPORT, United want to bring in another centre-back before the transfer window closes, giving them greater depth alongside Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro. Their need has become more pressing following injuries to Yoro, Martinez and De Ligt.
Tosin, 28, could reportedly be available for approximately £20m. He came through Manchester City's academy and spent 17 years with the club after joining in 2003. He made his senior debut in 2016 but managed only eight appearances before moving to Fulham in 2020, where he established himself as a regular Premier League defender.
United are also claimed to hold an interest in Tosin's Chelsea team-mate Josh Acheampong, although the teenager is regarded as 'untouchable' and Chelsea are not prepared to consider selling him.
