Manchester United are plotting a surprise move for right-back Max Aarons as Erik ten Hag tries to provide competition for Diogo Dalot in that position.
The Portugal international has started every game under Ten Hag this season and has cemented himself as the first-choice in that area, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka firmly out of favour. Dalot produced an outstanding performance for the Red Devils as they claimed a fourth straight home clean sheet in a 1-0 win against West Ham on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka has played just four minutes of first-team action so far this season and it doesn't seem like he has a long-term future at the Red Devils. Although Wan-Bissaka has missed the last two months with a back injury, the former Crystal Palace man could be set for the exit door in the January transfer window.
In the process, Ten Hag is searching for another right-back and the Sun have reported that United are tracking the services of Norwich City's Aarons. The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Aarons and were one of eight clubs who scouted the 22-year-old at England Under-21s victory over Germany at Bramall Lane in September.
Aarons, who is valued at around £10million by the Championship club, has just over 18 months left on his current deal and could be available for a cut-price in January. He has made 17 appearances for Norwich this season as they look to return straight back to the Premier League.
Interestingly, Aarons is a client of ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand and he has previously suggested the Red Devils should sign the player. Ferdinand is the mentor of Aarons at New Era Global Sports agency, which also boasts players such as Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane.
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Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said last summer: "Someone like Max Aarons you could put him like a Chris Smalling-type signing where they come in and they have an impact. They may not be straight starters immediately but they go and they stay there for 10 years and have a really good career and they impact the club at different levels."
Aarons was previously represented by Darren Dein, the son of influential former Arsenal and Football Association vice-chairman David Dein, before joining New Era Sports and previously addressed his ongoing relationship with Ferdinand.
“I’ve known Rio on and off since I first started playing professionally and him, alongside another person that he works closely with there, just their visions and what they have in store for me – how they can improve me on the pitch as well,” Aarons explained to the Pink Un.
“Just little bits here and there, he’s one of the best defenders to ever play the game, so to have someone like that in your corner and to get advice from, is just brilliant for me.”
