Man Utd in talks over two last-minute deals after shock Man City enquiry

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Tom Weber | Writer

Just when Manchester United's summer transfer window appeared to be winding down without much drama, two bombshells were dropped.

The Red Devils have spent the last few days frantically scouring the market for left-back opportunities, with this position giving Michael Carrick the biggest headaches. Since Patrick Dorgu is now a full-time winger, Man Utd need competition for Luke Shaw.

The need to bolster that department became particularly apparent at the weekend when Shaw mightily struggled against Ipswich Town winger Abdul Fatawu. However, Man Utd's Deadline Day has been relatively quiet for the most part.

Current ETV

Alejandro Balde

D (L)

Barcelona

Alejandro Balde

D (L)

Barcelona

€43.2M

ETV Range

€38.9M - €47.5M

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There were some fresh links with Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde this afternoon, but they were squashed by Fabrizio Romano. Man Utd consider the package to sign the Spaniard too expensive; they currently can't spend big on a left-back.

Instead, they have been looking into the loan market in search of a possible opportunity with a purchase option. According to Ben Jacobs, this search has now led them all the way back around to Manchester.

Man Utd in Ait-Nouri, Zirkzee talks

The journalist reports that Man Utd made a shock enquiry about Man City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has been the subject of the occasional transfer rumour this summer. He was recently linked with Juventus, but nothing came of it.

At the time of his reporting, Jacobs was unsure whether this seemingly unlikely deal would progress. And according to Romano, this transfer is, predictably, a non-starter. "Rayan Ait-Nouri is not available on the market," the Italian wrote. "No chance for Manchester United move."

Despite the failed approach for Ait-Nouri, there could yet be a last-minute move at Old Trafford, with Sky Sports reporting that Everton have opened talks regarding a possible transfer for Joshua Zirkzee.

The Netherlands international has been expected to leave Man Utd all summer, but a move back to Serie A has failed to materialise despite more or less advanced talks with Napoli, Juventus and Fiorentina.

Although reports have increasingly suggested that Zirkzee was set to stay at Man Utd, the player has been keen to leave all this time. Earlier today, sources close to the player spoke of "nervousness" that he would continue to be stuck in Manchester after two dire years.

Now, Everton are offering him an escape route at the 11th hour amid the complications in their pursuit of AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. The American has reportedly failed his medical, though the Toffees insist that the deal isn't completely off yet.

It remains to be seen if they will be able to trash out an agreement with the clock ticking down.