Manchester United have reportedly failed in their attempt to lure AFC Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui, who is also a transfer target for Bayern Munich.
According to Daily Mirror, Manchester United have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Noussair Mazraoui, whose contract with Dutch giants AFC Ajax is set to expire at the end of the season. The Moroccan right-back is also being chased by Bayern Munich.
Mazraoui came through the youth ranks at Ajax and has grown into a key player at the club, having accumulated over 130 appearances for the reigning Eredivisie champions so far. However, with his contract running out in a couple of months, the 24-year-old will be on the move as a free agent, having decided not to sign an extension.
Barcelona had been heavily linked with a move for Mazraoui but have given up their pursuit of the defender. It now seems like Manchester United, too, had taken an interest in the right-back but have been unsuccessful in their attempts to convince him to move to Old Trafford in the summer.
Manchester United have Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot as their options at right-back currently. Neither of them has performed consistently this term, with Wan-Bissaka enduring an alarming drop in form, leading to question marks over his future at Old Trafford beyond the current campaign.
Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a return to Crystal Palace. Should he end up leaving, Manchester United would require to bring in a new right-sided full-back in the summer. Even if he stays, an upgrade in the position would be a wise addition for incoming manager Erik ten Hag, making Mazraoui a viable target.
A player that ten Hag knows intimately and has worked with for several years now, the Moroccan would have been a good fit at Manchester United. However, as per the report, Mazraoui has decided not to follow his current manager to Old Trafford for next season. Instead, the 24-year-old looks likely to sign for Bayern Munich.
The Mirror claims Manchester United offered a much more lucrative contract to Mazraoui than Bayern Munich. However, the lure of Champions League football and a chance to compete for trophies have led to the defender snubbing the Premier League giants in favour of a move to Bavaria.
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With their short-lived pursuit of Mazraoui facing a disappointing end, it remains to be seen who Manchester United decide to go after to strengthen their right-back options in the summer.
