Just in: Sky journalist confirms Man Utd keen to sign 152-app EPL star: “Personal terms not an issue”

Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri could be set for a crosstown move, as Manchester United are planning to make an attempt to sign him in January.

The Red Devils should have already bought a new full-back in the summer, but instead left Luke Shaw as the only natural option on the left side.

The England international has been struggling with an injury for weeks, and the situation was compounded by Patrick Dorgu’s absence, forcing Michael Carrick to resort to emergency solutions, like shifting Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven to the left-back role.

Man Utd want to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri in January

In January, Jason Wilcox and the rest of the Man Utd management will be given the opportunity to make a belated adjustment by recruiting a new left-back.

However, Lewis Hall, who was their ultimate target in the summer, is no longer an option after signing a long-term contract with Newcastle. Therefore, United must find alternative targets.

In recent weeks, the club has been increasingly linked with Ait-Nouri, who is growing frustrated with his lack of playing time at Man City.

According to Sky Sport DE journalist Florian Plettenberg, MUFC ‘would like’ to bring the Algerian to the club in January, adding that personal terms won’t pose an issue for the club.

The transfer market expert believes the biggest obstacle for the Reds would be striking an agreement with their city rivals.

Why Ait-Nouri is a suitable option for Man United

During the winter market, clubs seldom sign top players. And with Man Utd treading just above the relegation zone, their situation is unlikely to attract elite players.

Hence, the objective for Wilcox is to find a player who is good enough to lend the team a hand and is available on the market.

Since Ait-Nouri seemingly fits the description above, it’s easy to see why United have added him to the shortlist.

The 25-year-old made a name for himself at Wolves, earning a £30 million move to Man City in the summer of 2025.

However, the Algerian never managed to lock down a starting role, whether under Pep Guardiola or his successor Enzo Maresca. Instead, he finds himself behind Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reily in the pecking order.

As Plettenberg pointed out, a transfer from Man City to United can be tricky, but Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada are both former MCFC employees, so they might still have useful connections at their old club.