Man City star 'open' to joining Man Utd in unthinkable January transfer as asking price set

Manchester City wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly open to joining arch-rivals Manchester United in January, and the Cityzens have already named their asking price.

Ait-Nouri moved to the Etihad Stadium from Wolves in the summer of 2025, but only played 17 times in the Premier League last term under Pep Guardiola, and his limited game time has continued with Enzo Maresca in charge.

Maresca has preferred Nico O'Reilly and Josko Gvardiol at left wing-back, utilising the Algerian for just 168 minutes in all competitions, and his exit could be sanctioned in January.

READ NEXT: Bruno Fernandes makes decision on leaving Man Utd in January after Michael Carrick peace talks

Rayan Ait-Nouri 'open' to joining Man United as £30m asking price set

“He’s a clear full-back. In that position, we have Josko [Gvardiol], who is doing fantastic; we have Nico [O’Reilly], who, when he is fit, is doing fantastic; and he’s in the same position, so it’s just competition between them,” the Man City boss said when asked why Ait-Nouri's minutes have been limited.

The 25-year-old made just his fourth appearance of the season on Wednesday night, coming off the bench at half-time for Ayyoub Bouaddi as City prevailed 4-3 on penalties to advance into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

But his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium isn't assured and, according to TEAMtalk, City sporting director Hugo Viana is keen to resolve his future ahead of the January transfer window.

After failing in a shock deadline-day move to sign Ait-Nouri on loan, Manchester United are one of the clubs being informed of his developments.

United are looking to sign a left-back following Luke Shaw's injury, and Ait-Nouri is reportedly 'open' to moving to their arch rivals after not featuring in any of their opening eight Premier League matches.

The 33-cap Algeria international, whose contract expires in June 2030, would want in the region of £30million for the wing-back. Man City are also willing to let him depart on loan until the end of the season, giving potential suitors a route to secure his services without committing to an immediate permanent transfer.

City would want any loan deal to include the mandatory option to make a move permanent, creating the potential scenario of Ait-Nouri joining an exclusive.

READ NEXT: Man City fans turn on Kyle Walker for comments about 115 charges saga

All players who have played for Man United and Man City post-war

Should United strike an agreement with their Manchester rivals, Ait-Nouri would become the first player since Owen Hargreaves in 2011 to move directly from City to Old Trafford.

In total, 14 players have represented both clubs in the post-war era. Carlos Tevez, who moved to the Etihad in the summer of 2009 following a two-year loan spell at United from West Ham, is arguably the most iconic.

But most fans will remember the legendary Peter Schmeichel, Andy Cole and Andrei Kanchelskis representing both clubs and Ait-Nouri can become the 15th player if he makes the switch in January.

All players to represent Man United and Man City post-war

• Peter Barnes
• Peter Beardsley
• Andy Cole
• Terry Cooke
• Wyn Davies
• John Gidman
• Owen Hargreaves
• Andrei Kanchelskis
• Brian Kidd
• Denis Law
• Sammy McIlroy
• Mark Robins
• Peter Schmeichel
• Carlos Tevez