Manchester United are weighing up a short-term loan solution at left-back as the transfer window closes, while the club has been offered Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo for approximately £20m.
United have spent around £150m revamping their midfield this summer, bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Carlos Baleba from Brighton. However, gaps remain at the back, with the search for a new left-back proving difficult after Newcastle United insisted Lewis Hall will stay at St James' Park.
Left-back loan considered
Securing a left-sided defender has become a priority, with Luke Shaw entering the final year of his contract and manager Michael Carrick viewing Patrick Dorgu more as a winger than a full-back. With deals for primary targets out of reach, alternatives are scarce.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said the club are considering a loan arrangement for a left-back before the window shuts, similar to their approach when they signed Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham 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."
Centre-back target offered
United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo. The 28-year-old Manchester City academy product looks set to leave Stamford Bridge after being left out of Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham and having his No. 4 shirt reassigned to summer recruit Valentin Barco.
According to talkSPORT, United want another centre-back before the window closes to add depth behind Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro. Injuries to Yoro, Martinez and De Ligt have increased the need for defensive additions.
Tosin could be available for around £20m. The report also says United retain an interest in Chelsea's Josh Acheampong, but the young defender is reportedly considered 'untouchable' and Chelsea will not entertain a sale.
Tosin spent 17 years in Manchester City's setup, joining the academy in 2003 and making his first-team debut in 2016. He made just eight appearances for City before moving to Fulham in 2020, where he established himself as a regular Premier League defender.
