Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is eyeing a swoop for Ferland Mendy, who appears to be at the end of his tether with Real Madrid. 

What’s the word?

With Los Blancos looking to part with the 27-year-old, reports from Spain indicate that Manchester United are joined by Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in their pursuit, and a deal could materialise in the near future.

With the emergence of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, an offensive-minded promising full-back, the experience and defensive pedigree of Mendy could provide a balanced and cohesive new partnership down the Reds’ left flank. 

With Chelsea signing Marc Cucurella for roughly £63m from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, and PSG clinching the Portuguese starlet Nuno Mendes for £34m after a successful loan spell in Paris, the Red Devils could be in pole position in the race for the ace.

Ditch Shaw

Luke Shaw has been dependable, consistent, and elegant when serving as an attacking outlet for Man United, but could well be approaching the end of his stay at the Theatre of Dreams.

Having made 228 appearances for the club, Luke Shaw was the subject of interest from Everton in the summer, with the Toffees still wanting to acquire his signature in the new year.

From 15 appearances this term, Shaw has contributed two assists and played an important role for his Dutch manager as he looks to stamp his philosophy into the club.

But with the summer signing of Malacia, a young ace Ten Hag knew well from his time in the Netherlands, and Mendy combined, Shaw could finally be ousted after his lengthy stay in England’s North West. 

With the French defender, United would get a defensively sound demon and a Champions League winner, a player with a triumphant mentality that could steer the club toward their first trophy in over five years. 

Prominent football platform Ahead of the Curve tweeted: “Defensively there isn’t a better LB in the world” and that “he’s an upgraded, two-footed version of Bacary Sagna”.