Conor Gallagher completed a move to Atletico Madrid.placeholder image
Conor Gallagher completed a move to Atletico Madrid. | AFP via Getty Images
Man United have made a bid to sign an Atletico Madrid player for £30m this month.
The Spanish side may be selling one of their fellow players too, as reports emerged at the start of the week suggesting that Man United could raid Atletico, as they have made a £30m bid to sign one of their players.
Man United will hope to bring a few names in who can help Michael Carrick guide them into the Champions League during the second half of the season, and the Madrid player could be a part of that plan.
Atletico debating about selling Llorente
It was reported on Monday that Man United made a £30m bid to sign Marcos Llorente, who plays as an attacking full-back for Atletico Madrid, and has been there for seven seasons. The 30-year-old is an experienced Champions League player and could be the sort of full-back that United lacks.
He would have fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system very well, but he is also comfortable in a back four, and so far, it is uncertain whether United will be able to land the Spaniard. Media outlet Fichajes report that the higher-ups at Atletico disagree on whether to cash in on Llorente.
Some believe he is still a valuable depth player who could become especially valuable if the team suffers injuries due to his versatility, but others think it is time to sell him, as his value could begin to drop due to his age over the next couple of seasons.
This season, he has played a solid role for Madrid, making 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, and providing three assists. All three of his goals came in the Champions League, too.
Llorente could replace Mazraoui
Conveniently, Man United’s reported bid to sign Llorente comes as there is transfer interest in one of the Red Devils’ full-back options. On Monday, reports emerged which suggest that Juventus are eyeing up a move for Noussair Mazraoui, who is currently away on international duty at AFCON.
If Man United were to sell Mazraoui, they would be losing a versatile full-back, who can play both as a wing-back or a full-back, that sounds familiar. Llorente and Mazraoui are both similar players in terms of their role, although Llorente is a more astute attacking threat than the Moroccan.
Seeing as United could sell Mazraoui for around £20m, it means that Llorente wouldn’t be too much of an investment if they used that profit, so it could be a wise decision, especially seeing as United can’t do with losing too many players, as they need a deep squad to try and battle for Champions League football.
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