Alex Telles stars for FC Porto in what may be his final game for the club
Alex Telles was the man of the match in Porto’s 3-1 win over SC Braga, converting twice from the spot and delivering the cross that Sergio Oliveira converted to lead his side to victory.
The Brazilian, who has been included in his country’s latest national team squad, was pivotal in Porto making a winning start to the 2019-20 season, and only further illustrates while Manchester United are very keen on signing the 27-year old.
With Manchester United are missing out on the signing of Real Madrid left back Sergio Reguilon after a late swoop by Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur, a move for an alternative is now on the agenda.
Reguilon had been widely expected to be heading to Old Trafford, but with after failing to meet Madrid’s demands, Spurs are set to sign the Spain international for a fee in the region of 30 million euros.
Manchester United have therefore made Porto’s star Alex Telles their priority signing, looking to bolster their options in the leftback position, and contact between United and Telles’ representatives has already been made.
Telles was integral to Porto’s unlikely Primeira Liga triumph last season, scoring an incredible 11 goals and assisting a further 8 in the league alone despite his defensive starting position.
Widely considered one of the most complete left backs in world football, at least on Portugal’s shores, there is surprise amongst fans of the domestic game that no clubs have yet made a move for the 27-year old Brazilian, who has proven to be a top class athlete since arriving in Portugal from Galatasaray in 2016.
Manchester United know that they will be able to sign Alex Telles for a very reasonable fee this window, with the former Inter Milan fullback entering his last year of contract and with no renewal in sight. Porto, desperate not to lose another valuable asset for free, having already seen Brahimi and Herrera leave the club for no charge at all last summer, are willing to entertain offers upwards of 25 million euros for the offensive fullback.
United’s opening offer is expected to fall slightly below that, but after a dismal 1-3 opening day defeat to Crystal Palace, Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to secure signings and the deal could progress quickly.
United have already shown some interest in Telles this window, but negotiations have been slow with the Manchester club looking at alternatives.
