Manchester United ready to rival Chelsea for Serie A star in January

Manchester United are the latest Premier League side to express an interest in Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, reports The Daily Record.

Sandro was heavily linked with a move away from Juventus in the summer but the Serie A giants rejected Chelsea’s advances.

Juventus conceded in the summer they would not stand in Sandro’s way if he wanted to leave but the Brazil international was not interested in forcing through a move away at the time.

However, the 26-year-old has endured a turbulent start to the campaign and has now told Juventus he is unhappy at the club, putting Chelsea and United on red alert.

Jose Mourinho wants to sign a new left-back in January and has already been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham ace Danny Rose.

The United manager will have funds available to spend in the New Year and is now exploring the possibility of beating Chelsea to Sandro’s signature after learning of his potential availability.

Juventus turned down Chelsea’s £60m offer in the summer, which would suggest United would need to make a significant outlay in order to prise him away from the Old Lady.

It also remains to be seen whether Juventus would be willing to part ways with such an important squad member midway through the season, particularly as they are already short in that position.

Massimiliano Allegri has been forced to adapt Kwadwo Asamoah at left-back at times this season and he has also been linked with a move away from Juventus.

Sandro is yet to hit the same heights as last season but has still played a direct hand in four goals in nine league appearances (one goal, three assists) this term.

In fact, since the start of last season only Andrea Conti (13) has scored or assisted more Serie A goals than Sandro (11) of all defenders.