Reports: €69 million superstar to reject Chelsea for Manchester United in January

What's the story?

Chelsea and Manchester United had a running battle through the past few transfer windows and where the Blues were used to winning out in the past (John Obi Mikel and Pedro Rodriguez say hello), this season saw United prise Lukaku away from Chelsea at the last minute and add to the misery by prying away Nemanja Matic and making him the foundation of their solid midfield.

Come the winter window, it's all set to continue with the object of attention being Chelsea and Antonio Conte's long-term target - Juventus' wantaway Brazilian superstar Alex Sandro. Having apparently fallen out of favour with Massimiliano Allegri, the fullback has been wanting a move away from Turin and if the good folk over at the Express are to be believed, United are set to grant his wish in January itself

In case you didn't know

Sandro is one of the game's most exciting full-backs, entirely comfortable on the left of a back four or a back five with the typical, dare I say stereotypical flair of a Brazilian full-back in his prime.

His pace, dribbling, and delivery would add a whole new dimension to United's attack... and defence.

United will, though, have to break the world record for a defender to bag their man with the arch-negotiators Juventus unwilling to back down on their £60 million (€69 million) price tag.

The heart of the matter

As per these reports, Jose Mourinho is apparently going to be handed £80 million for the next month - and he's willing to splurge £60 million of that to plug United's greatest weakness - left-back.

As good as Ashley Young has been - and he's been terrific - he's still a stop-gap measure and United need to redress the issue immediately if they are to stake their claim to the trophies they so desperately crave.

Video

Here's Sandro doing what he does best

Lad can play, eh?

Author's Take

Alex Sandro would be a great addition to whichever team is able to obtain his services - with the role of fullback gaining ever more importance, Mourinho may just decide it's worth the trouble of battling Chelsea, and breaking a world record, to get his man!