Manchester United have been linked with a move Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba this summer.
The Spain international had been the regular first-choice on the left side of defence at the Camp Nou since his arrival from Valencia in 2012, but alternated with Lucas Digne last term under Luis Enrique.
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Alba, who spent the early part of his youth development at Barca before being released, featured 39 times in all competitions last term, but was overlooked by Enrique in high-profile fixture, particularly in the Champions League.
And United see him as the ideal candidate to fill the left-back spot at Old Trafford. The likes of Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian all played in the position throughout last season as Jose Mourinho struggled to make a permanent choice.
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The Red Devils are thus showing an interest in Alba, who would undoubtedly slot in as first-choice for the left-back berth.
As per Rob Dawson from ESPN, United are keen on the former Valencia man but are well are that it will be incredibly difficult to lure him away from the club this summer.
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Citing sources from both sets of clubs, the report notes that "there is an acceptance on both sides that it will be difficult to complete a deal this summer", whilst also saying Alba, who has a contract with the Blaugrana until 2020, is much happier at Barca after seeing Ernesto Valverde take the reins at the club.
With Shaw and Rojo both on the sidelines with injury, left-back would appear to be a priority area for Mourinho to strengthen in this summer - unless he shows faith in two 20-year old youngsters in the form of Demetri Mitchell and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Jose Mourinho, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Jordi Alba
