United haven’t gone cold on Alex swoop

UNITED could still sign Porto left-back Alex Telles before the transfer window closes on Monday as they consider defensive reinforcements.

While signing Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho remains the Reds’ priority for the final week of the summer transfer window, there could still be movement on defensive targets, with the Brazilian the most likely addition.

United have monitored the 27-yearold, with Porto unlikely to demand his full release clause of around £36m.

Telles is out of contract next summer, so the Portuguese club could be convinced to sell for less before the transfer window shuts.

United had monitored Spain international left-back Sergio Reguilon this summer but never made a move before his switch from Real Madrid to Tottenham earlier this month.

If United sign Telles then he will provide competition at left-back to Luke Shaw. And while youngster Brandon Williams can also play that position, he could be considered for a switch to right-back as well, having played that role during his time in the academy, so giving Aaron Wan-Bissaka some competition.

It remains unlikely United will sign a central defender before the transfer window closes, however.

RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has admirers at Old Trafford but if the Reds make a move for the 21-yearold it is likely to be next summer.

The priority for the final week of the window remains off-loading some of the senior central defenders in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

Chris Smalling hasn’t been in a matchday squad yet this season and has been training away from the main squad.

He could still return to Roma on a permanent deal if a fee can be agreed for the 30-year-old, while Marcos Rojo could also leave the club before next week’s deadline.

But with Phil Jones still sidelined with injury at the moment, he looks set to remain at Old Trafford until January at least.

Telles is out of contract next summer so the Portuguese club could be convinced to sell

Tyrone Marshall