A surprise name has emerged as a possible option for Manchester United as they look to hand Luke Shaw competition at left-back.
Shaw remained injury-free last season and appeared in all 38 Premier League games for the first time in his career. It was a massive boost for Michael Carrick as the English defender played an important role in a third-place finish.
The 31-year-old has endured an injury-ridden spell at Old Trafford since arriving in the summer of 2014. The club's transfer chiefs are wary of the upcoming schedule given a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Man Utd Offered Chelsea's Jorrel Hato
jorrel hato chelsea
United have been linked with several left-backs, including Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, who is reportedly open to a move. A deal for the England international could be an expensive one as the Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70 million and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100m.
According to Chelsea Chronicle, the Red Devils have been offered Chelsea's versatile defender Jorrel Hato. The Dutch youngster has yet to claim a regular starting berth in the Blues' defence and may struggle for game time under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Hato, dubbed "generational" is said to be "highly eager to play in the Champions League next season." Through intermediaries, the Dutchman has also been proposed to Arsenal, who are addressing William Saliba's back injury.
The 20-year-old has shown glimpses of promise since joining Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven last summer for an initial £35.5m. He can play in central defence and at left-back which could entice Carrick.
Lisandro Martinez came off injured in Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. His fitness has always been a concern and adding a left-footed defender who can also battle Shaw for a starting berth could be factored in.
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Hato Could be a Decent Backup For Shaw
Manchester United's Luke Shaw in action against Everton
Depending on how much Newcastle are demanding for Hall, moving for Hato as an alternative could be a solution. The Dutchman is clearly talented but is struggling for first-team opportunities in a stacked squad of young defenders.
Hato started just 12 of 22 league games last season and with Levi Colwill set to return from injury his chances of playing more under Alonso are slim. He's still young and can learn from the likes of Shaw who will need to be permanently replaced in the long run.
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For now, Hall surely remains United's top target at left-back but the Red Devils are still chasing a third midfield signing. They are reportedly plotting a £47m move for Manu Kone which could play a role in any plans to strengthen in other areas of Carrick's squad.