Man Utd linked with move for Barcelona defender

Oli Fisher

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba is attracting interest from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, according to reports.

However, the report acknowledges that any potential deal will be “difficult” as Jose Mourinho eyes a permanent solution for the left-back position.

The Portuguese boss has trialled Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young in the role.

Alba could fit the bill for United, and despite making 39 appearances in all competitions, he was left out of the starting XI for key games.

The Spain international has a contract at the Nou Camp until 2020, but would apparently be open to a move should Barca allow him to leave.

For United, the biggest obstacle appears the be the new hierarchy in place for the Catalan club, including a new manager.

The Sun states that Alba feels “more at ease since Ernesto Valverde was appointed new boss” and “may decide to stay on another year in order to find out where he stands.”