Manchester United are reportedly set to sign Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon on loan after backing out of negotiations with Chelsea for Marc Cucurella.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have agreed a loan deal for Tottenham full-back Sergio Reguilon, who has travelled to Manchester to complete his medical ahead of becoming the replacement for the injured Luke Shaw.
Manchester United have been forced to scramble to find cover at left-back following the injury to Luke Shaw, who sustained a serious muscle injury during the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and is set to be sidelined for around ten weeks.
With Tyrell Malacia also out injured for several weeks, Erik ten Hag was forced to play Diogo Dalot at left-back to cover for the injured defenders against Nottingham Forest. The Red Devils’ search for left-back cover initially led to them identifying Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella as a top target.
Manchester United seemed to be on track to sign Cucurella before the deadline day after opening negotiations with Chelsea over a loan move. However, talks broke down for a number of reasons after Manchester United’s initial loan offer, which included a £2 million fee, was turned down out of hand by the Blues, who were understood to be holding out for a £7 million loan fee.
Sergio Reguilón to Manchester United, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with Tottenham on loan deal 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Understand medical tests are taking place right now! 🩺
There will be clause to break loan deal in January. Marc Cucurella deal, OFF. pic.twitter.com/IWjIucXcb2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023
Restrained by Financial Fair Play, Manchester United also wanted a break clause as part of their agreement, which meant they could have sent the Spaniard back to Stamford Bridge in January, as per Daily Telegraph.
Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to play Cucurella in Chelsea’s EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday complicated matters further, as the 25-year-old would be unable to play again for them this season should Chelsea wish to move him on again.
Now, it seems that Manchester United have decided to go ahead with an alternative option. Per Fabrizio Romano, they have agreed a deal with Tottenham for Reguilon to join the club on loan for the season.
The 26-year-old, who was first linked with United three years ago before they opted to sign Alex Telles from FC Porto, joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in September 2020 in a deal worth around £32 million, but spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid. Should Reguilon pass his ongoing medical, he could feature in Erik ten Hag’s squad for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.
Manchester United view Reguilon as a short-term solution to address the problem given they have negotiated a break clause with Spurs, which would allow them to send Reguilon back to Tottenham in January once Shaw and backup Tyrell Malacia are fully fit.
