Two Daley Blind-replacements Manchester United must target

According to reports, Ajax want to re-sign former player Daley Blind from Manchester United this summer.

The versatile Dutchman has made 141 appearances for the Red Devils since joining them from Ajax four years ago. However, Blind was only limited to 17 matches in all competitions last season, out of which he only started four Premier League matches.

The 28-year-old, who has just one year left on his current contract, is out-of-favour under current United manager Jose Mourinho. Blind’s father, Danny, is currently on the board at Ajax and is negotiating a deal with Manchester United for his son’s signature.

And if Mourinho decides to sell Blind this summer, here are two replacements United can target.

Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli)

Should Daley Blind decide to leave United, Mourinho must target Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam. The Algerian is represented by Jorge Mendes, who is also Mourinho’s agent.

Ghoulam had an injury-hit campaign at Napoli and he rarely featured for the club last season. The 26-year-old only penned a new five-year deal with the Stadio San Paolo-based club last December and would cost United a fee in the region of £53million.

The Algeria international could also be a replacement for Luke Shaw who, despite his spirited performances last season, proved unsuccessful in convincing Mourinho entirely.

Fast, agile and industrious, Ghoulam is regarded as one of the finest left-backs in Europe and is a perfect fit for Mourinho’s style of play.

Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Perhaps the toughest option for United to lure to England is Barcelona left-back, Jordi Alba.

Since arriving from Valencia, Alba has become a regular fixture for the Catalans. Although he found game time tough to come by under former manager Luis Enrique, the player regained his mojo under Ernesto Valverde last season, scoring three goals and supplying nine assists in all competitions.

Despite his stellar performances last season, Barcelona are yet to offer him a contract extension. Tied down to a contract with the La Liga champions until 2020, Alba has a reported €150million release clause.

United have the financial muscle to sign the Spanish international, who has won a total of four La Liga titles with the Catalan giants and also lifted the Champions League in 2015.