Three left-backs Manchester United could target this summer

Manchester United are believed to be planning to move for a new centre-back, two midfielders and two attackers during this summer's transfer window.

Incoming head coach Erik ten Hag will be given funds to improve the squad, and current interim manager Ralf Rangnick has said that additions are needed in every position other than goalkeeper, with David de Gea enjoying a strong campaign for the Red Devils between the sticks.

Not too much has been made of the left-back spot at Man United, but Luke Shaw's recent operation to remove the bolts from his leg that were inserted back in 2015 will keep him out for the rest of the campaign, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for the Englishman to fully recover.

Alex Telles has benefited from Shaw's troubles this season to play plenty of football, featuring on 24 occasions in all competitions, but he has found it difficult to convince defensively.

As a result, the club could be in the market for a new left-back this summer, which might open the door for Telles to leave amid suggestions that he is not in the plans of Ten Hag.

With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out three left-sided defenders that could potentially be of interest to the 20-time English champions this summer.

Tyrell Malacia (Feyenoord)

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Tyrell Malacia has enjoyed a strong campaign at Feyenoord, scoring once and providing five assists in 47 appearances for the Dutch giants in all competitions.

A three-time Netherlands international, the 22-year-old has been an ever-present for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie this season, but he only has little over two years left to run on his contract at the club, which has led to recent speculation surrounding his future.

The Mirror recently claimed that an offer in the region of £20m would likely be enough to sign the defender, who Ten Hag wanted to bring to Ajax during last summer's transfer window.

Malacia has only ever featured on one occasion in the Champions League, but he has built up his European experience this season by playing in the Europa Conference League, and he might be viewed as the ideal player to provide competition for Shaw at left-back next term.

Borna Sosa (Stuttgart)

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Borna Sosa's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last few months, with the 24-year-old being linked with a number of leading European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Croatia international has been in strong form for Stuttgart this season, scoring twice and providing eight assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.

Sosa has a contract with his German club until June 2025, but a recent report claimed that a fee in the region of £21m could potentially be enough to sign him in the upcoming market.

The Croatian, thought to be wanted by Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Inter Milan, is primarily a left-back but has also played as a left midfielder this season due to his attacking qualities.

Just 24, Sosa would represent a long-term option for the 20-time English champions, and he would arrive with strong experience, having played 64 times for his current team in the Bundesliga.

Jose Gaya (Valencia)

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Captain of Valencia, Jose Gaya has been in impressive form once again during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring twice and providing five assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old has spent his entire professional career with his current side, representing them on 290 occasions, scoring eight times and contributing 35 assists in the process.

Gaya only has little over 12 months left to run on his contract at Mestalla, though, and Valencia are currently finding it difficult to sign him to an extension.

The Spain international will be aware that he could earn more money by moving to the Premier League, and Los Che are not in a strong position to negotiate a high transfer fee due to his contract situation.

Gaya would surely not accept playing second fiddle to Shaw, though, so he might want assurances over playing time before discussing a possible switch to Old Trafford.