Manchester United have identified Southampton defender Cedric Soares as the player they want to provide cover and competition for Antonio Valencia next season, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho is keen to ease the burden on Valencia, who is the first-choice right-back at Old Trafford, and tried to bring in a back-up player to rotate with the Ecuadorian last summer too.
Valencia has played 2563 minutes of Premier League action this season, the third most of any outfield player behind Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku.
But Valencia is now 32 years old and Mourinho is conscious of his advancing years and the need to find someone who can eventually take over from him.
And The Mirror are reporting that The Special One has settled on compatriot Soares as the perfect player to provide cover for Valencia, and eventually replace him in the side.
Soares has been one of Southamptons better performers in a largely miserable season which sees the Saints fighting for survival.
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They are currently four points adrift of safety, but United see their predicament as an opportunity to pick up a bargain, with Soares only likely to cost around £20m despite having substantial Premier League experience and a European Championship winners medal.
More: Manchester United FC
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Manchester United have identified Southampton defender Cedric Soares as the player they want to provide cover and competition for Antonio Valencia next season, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho is keen to ease the burden on Valencia, who is the first-choice right-back at Old Trafford, and tried to bring in a back-up player to rotate with the Ecuadorian last summer too.
Valencia has played 2563 minutes of Premier League action this season, the third most of any outfield player behind Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku.
But Valencia is now 32 years old and Mourinho is conscious of his advancing years and the need to find someone who can eventually take over from him.
And The Mirror are reporting that The Special One has settled on compatriot Soares as the perfect player to provide cover for Valencia, and eventually replace him in the side.
Soares has been one of Southamptons better performers in a largely miserable season which sees the Saints fighting for survival.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
They are currently four points adrift of safety, but United see their predicament as an opportunity to pick up a bargain, with Soares only likely to cost around £20m despite having substantial Premier League experience and a European Championship winners medal.
More: Manchester United FC
AdvertisementAdvertisement
