A Man Utd transfer will be aborted in a move that’ll saddle Erik ten Hag with a player he has no intention of using, per a report.
The vast bulk of Ten Hag’s recruits in his first transfer window as Man Utd boss have already proved their worth.
Christian Eriksen formed a fine partnership with Casemiro before the Dane suffered an ankle injury. Casemiro is currently serving a four-match domestic ban after picking up his second red card of the season, though ill discipline aside, he’s been a transformative signing.
Lisandro Martinez wasted no time relegating Harry Maguire to a bench role, while Tyrell Malacia has provided stiff competition for Luke Shaw at left-back.
Malacia’s arrival also allowed Ten Hag to part ways with unwanted full-back Alex Telles, albeit temporarily.
Indeed, the 30-year-old Brazil international joined Sevilla on a season-long loan. The move did not contain an option or obligation to buy, though per the Manchester Evening News, Man Utd harboured hope Sevilla would move for Telles outright once the campaign concludes.
Indeed, the MEN listed Telles (signed for £15.4m) among a trio of players signed for roughly £153m who’ve been put up for sale. The others are Harry Maguire (£80m) and Anthony Martial (£58m).
However, the Mirror now report Sevilla – who are United’s opponent in the Europa League quarter finals – have no intention of signing Telles to a permanent deal.
Sevilla eyeing different Prem left-back instead
Telles will therefore return to Old Trafford where he’ll become something of an elephant in the room.
Ten Hag already has Shaw and Malacia at left-back, while homegrown star Brandon Williams is champing at the bit for more game-time.
The Mirror report Telles is unlikely to play any role back at United next season and a permanent exit to a club other than Sevilla will now be explored.
Telles’ deal in Manchester is due to expire in the summer of 2024. As such, the onus is on United to cash in this summer or they’ll run the risk of losing the defender for nothing 12 months later.
Hinting at why Sevilla won’t pull the trigger on Telles, a report out of Spain in late-February claimed they’re eyeing up Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon instead.
The Spurs left-back is also on loan in Spain at present with Atletico Madrid. Whether he has a future back in north London may depend on whether Antonio Conte stays or goes.
