Man Utd lead Tottenham in duel for defender once wanted by Barcelona

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Mourinho

Manchester United and Tottenham may be set for a summer battle over Norwich City defender Max Aarons, according to reports.

The right-back, 21, has enjoyed a stellar season with the Canaries, starting all 28 of their Championship fixtures. He has helped the East Anglian outfit to the top of the standings.

They are looking for an immediate return to the top flight after finishing bottom of the Premier League in 2019-2020. And the signs are good despite a run of three games without a win.

Aarons played every minute of 36 league appearances last season. He was powerless to prevent relegation but impressed in a busy Norwich rearguard.

The England Under-21 ace seems to have caught the eye of United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to The Express. It seems as though the Norwegian tactician wants a new man in to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The arrival of Alex Telles seems to have given Luke Shaw a shot in the arm at left-back. And the hope is that Aarons could do the same with Wan-Bissaka.

That may well spell the end of the line for Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese youngster is on loan with AC Milan after failing to make the grade at Old Trafford.

Aarons has impressed enough at Carrow Road to be linked with Spanish giants Barcelona. Back in September last year it seemed as though he was set to sign a long-term deal at the Nou Camp.

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That failed to happen, while the Red Devils and Tottenham were also mentioned as possible suitors.

Aarons in for Aurier

With reports that Jose Mourinho will look to move Serge Aurier on this summer, Aarons could find himself at Spurs. Aurier, 28, is in the bad books after storming out of the stadium at half-time during the Liverpool defeat.

Max Aarons TEAMtalk

 

The Ivory Coast international was blamed for Roberto Firmino’s goal and did not take the criticism well. It’s been reported that Mourinho was not impressed and it could signal the end of his time in north London.

Aarons is rated as one of the best young full-backs in English football. If a club the size of Barcelona are keen, then he surely has the ability to play anywhere in Europe.

It was reported late in January that Spurs were once again scouting the London-born starlet. Finances are tight at most clubs and so nothing happened but the summer may see a bidding war.

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