Manchester United have reportedly made contact to trump Everton in the race to sign Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, as per TEAMtalk.
After joining Wolverhampton from Ligue 1 side Angers, the 25-year-old showed glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League. The left-back even made 12 goal contributions across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign.
After being impressed by his performances, the Citizens decided to purchase him. However, he has failed to flourish in his career at the Etihad Stadium.
Now, TEAMtalk state that Enzo Maresca considers Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reily as the first-choice left-back options. So, Man City are prepared to offload Ait-Nouri in January and have already started working.
Intermediaries have started holding talks with potential suitors and have contacted Man Utd. The Red Devils were offered the chance to sign the Algerian last summer and expressed their interest in him.
However, they ultimately failed to finalise the operation. The Old Trafford club are now considering signing him next year, but Everton are also in this race.
The report state that Man City are ready to allow Ait-Nouri to leave on loan but want to include a conditional obligation to sell him permanently and want around £30m.
Battle
Ait-Nouri is a technically gifted left-back but is also comfortable in the LWB position. He is quick, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas and is efficient in delivering excellent crosses from the flanks.
With Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw struggling with fitness problems, United have been left without a natural left-back. So, Michael Carrick has used Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven in this position in recent matches.
On the other hand, David Moyes currently has Vitaliy Mykolenko as the specialist left-back option; moreover, Jarrad Branthwaite can provide cover in this position if needed.
Despite Ait-Nouri’s struggles at Man City, he is a talented player and is currently at the prime stage of his career. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd or Everton should either club purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the 20-time English champions or the Toffees eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.
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