Manchester Enter Race To Sign £36m Rated Chelsea Target

Manchester United are considering making a £36m swoop for Valencia defender Jose Luis Gaya, as per Spanish news outlet Fichajes via Metro.

The Red Devils’ regular left-back Luke Shaw is set face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a leg fracture during the midweek, and boss Louis van Gaal is eyeing Gaya as a replacement for the England international defender.

Reports claim that the Mancunian Reds are keen on triggering the player’s release clause during the winter transfer so as to avoid an injury crisis. However, United must beat off stiff competition from Chelsea who are also looking to sign Gaya in January due to their failed attempt to sign John Stones in the summer.

Gaya signed an extension to his contract in May and subsequently increased his buyout clause from £13m to £36m. Although Valencia have no wish to let the Spaniard leave the Camp de Mestalla, United’s offer could railroad them into selling the left-back.

United’s left-back, Shaw suffered a horrific leg break last Tuesday and Louis van Gaal is set to bring in Marcos Rojo to plug the gap left open by the former Southampton left-back.

Van Gaal confirmed after the match on Tuesday: “It’s a double fracture. It is very bad and sad for him, but also for out team.”