Man Utd Transfer News Today: Rayan Ait-Nouri domino as deal imminent

All the latest Man Utd transfer news in one place, including updates on Rayan Ait-Nouri, Alejandro Balde and JJ Gabriel.

Juventus are "optimistic" about signing Man City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in January, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

The Algeria international is a target for both the Bianconeri and Man Utd, but the former may have an easier route to a deal. Man City are understood to be reluctant to do business with their Manchester rivals.

Ait-Nouri's move to Juventus could start a transfer domino because the Italian giants will likely have to make a sale in order to be able to fund this deal. Andrea Cambiaso, a target for Barcelona, could be offloaded, which in turn could see Man Utd enter the picture again.

That is because Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde is a target for Man Utd, and it is abundantly clear that he has no future in Catalunya. Cambiaso would come in to replace him.

Last weekend, Balde was an unused substitute against Atletico Madrid. To the general astonishment of Barcelona's players, including the 22-year-old himself, Hansi Flick preferred to use midfielder Frenkie de Jong as a full-back.

As Mundo Deportivo points out, the players "couldn't believe it," and it was further confirmation that Balde will have to leave in January. Man Utd increasingly looks like his most realistic destination.

Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel will announce Real Madrid as his next club "in the coming days," according to AS.

Los Blancos have won the race to sign the wantaway 16-year-old, beating off competition from PSG, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Man Utd will be owed a six-figure compensation fee and are reportedly even considering taking legal action because of the way this saga has transpired.

For Real Madrid, it is viewed as a potential deal of the century. After missing out on Neymar to Barcelona more than a decade ago, this is seen as revenge. Gabriel could be Real Madrid's Neymar if he develops as expected.

Man Utd have three primary centre-back targets for the January transfer window, the Daily Mail writes.

The Red Devils will overhaul their defence in 2027 and could be active as early as the winter window. Once again, the focus will be on Premier League-proven players.

It is reported that Brentford's Nathan Collins, Fulham's Calvin Bassey and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite are the three main names Man Utd will pursue in search of a replacement for Lisandro Martinez, who is expected to leave in the summer.

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