Man Utd 'make enquiry' for another Aston Villa player to solve problem position

Manchester United have reportedly made a late enquiry to sign another Aston Villa player as their agonising search for a new left-back continues

So far, United have spent around £150 million on midfield recruits. Andrey Santos was signed from Chelsea for around £50 million before Youri Tielemens left Villa for Old Trafford in a deal worth £35 million.

Earlier this week, long-term target Carlos Baleba joined the ranks from Brighton for £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons, but the need for defensive reinforcements is clear as Tuesday's deadline draws nearer.

A left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw, who is entering the final year of his contract, is a priority.

Top target Lewis Hall looks unlikely to leave Newcastle this summer, while Alejandro Balde is keen to stay at Barcelona after United reached out to his representatives to explore whether a deal would be possible.

Jorge Salinas, the highly-rated full-back from Racing Santander, has been linked in recent weeks alongside El Hadji Malick Diouf, who signed for Brentford on Friday.

Now, United have made a surprise enquiry for Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, according to transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke, who claims the move is part of their search to bring in a new left-back.

Following the departure of Lucas Digne to PSG, Maatsen was handed a place in Villa's starting line-up for their Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday (August 23) but struggled in large spells.

Maatsen started for Villa in their 4-0 defeat to Brighton. Image credit: Getty

The 24-year-old may lose his spot, however, after Matteo Ruggeri arrived from Atletico Madrid this month.

Man Utd linked with forward as Joshua Zirkzee pushes to leave

As it stands, the plan is for Joshua Zirkzee to join Fiorentina on a season-long loan with an option to buy, although it remains to be seen whether an obligation to buy will also be included, according to Gazetta.

United would prefer the centre-forward to leave permanently, but no club has made a permanent offer.

If Zirkzee does leave, United will likely need to find a replacement. With that in mind, the club are ready to rival Tottenham for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs.

"A left-back seems to be the priority. They’ll be alert also to a No. 9, and if Joshua Zirkzee goes, that also becomes more pressing in the final hours or days of the window, and yet, if Manchester United can’t reinforce, then they obviously have the ability not to sanction a move," Jacobs said via Betway Insider.

Matanovic scored 11 Bundesliga goals last term and has been tipped as the heir to Mario Mandzukic in Croatia.