Manchester United could miss out on signing Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez due to a 'private' clause.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Erik ten Hag's side are prioritising the signing of a left-back this summer due to fitness concerns over Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Shaw has played just 12 Premier League games this term, and is set to miss the remainder of this season due to a hamstring injury.
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Malacia, meanwhile, hasn't played at all since suffering a knee injury in pre-season, and although Ten Hag previously stated that the Dutchman would be back in action in mid-January, he has still not made a comeback.
Currently, amid the absence of both players, United are playing Victor Lindelof at left-back - although this clearly isn't a solution for the long-term if a future scenario arises that sees Shaw and Malacia both absent.
United have been heavily linked with the signing of attacking full-back Gutierrez, who has played a significant role in Girona's incredible performance in La Liga so far this season.
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Michel's side are currently in second place and six points behind leaders Real Madrid with 13 games left to play, having led the table for large periods this season.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that the 22-year-old Spaniard is now near the top of United's shortlist, with the club's scouts have monitored him 'for months'.
Gutierrez is currently valued at €20 million by Transfermarkt, with United surely having their eye on a relatively cheap deal for the left-back.
But they have one major hurdle to jump over - Gutierrez's previous club, Real Madrid.
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Real sold the Spaniard to Girona for just €4 million in the summer of 2022, with Los Blancos having a buy-back clause which is in the region of €8 million.
Romano previously claimed that the buyback clause is staggered, meaning Real will pay €9 million if they want to sign Gutierrez in 2025, and €10 million for a deal in 2026.
Such a sum would represent close to a steal for Real for a player of Gutierrez's quality, while Girona will no doubt be hoping to receive a more sizeable fee for one of their key players should he depart next summer.
That could be where United come in - but if Real decide they want to bring Gutierrez back amid a lack of depth in their left-back ranks, it may be game over for Ten Hag's side.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, La Liga, Real Madrid, Girona, Transfers