da bet7k： Manchester United are seemingly drawing close to a move for Porto defender Alex Telles.
da heads bet： Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted (via @FabrizioRomano) that the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the Brazil left-back, with talks having now moved on to final details of the move such as the transfer fee and commission for agents.
Valued at £36m by TransferMarkt, Telles has been hailed by one of his most famous predecessors as a left-back for Brazil, namely Roberto Carlos, while Porto manager Sergio Conceicao has praised his “professionalism” after he recently scored twice against Braga amid continuing speculation over his future at the club (as per Goal.com).
Indeed, the 27-year-old has an excellent record in terms of his attacking contribution, given that he plays in defence. In 315 career appearances he has scored 29 goals (one per 10.86 games) and provided no fewer than 65 assists (one per 4.85 games), as per TransferMarkt.
There is more to his game than simply bombing forward to set up attacks, though – match averages of 1.5 successful tackles and three successful headers in the early weeks of the season illustrate that he is also committed to his defensive duties.
While Telles’ statistics would make him seem like an excellent acquisition by United, who appear close to clinching the deal, his arrival could spell danger for two English defenders already at the club.
Luke Shaw has started both of United’s league games so far this season but the injury-prone ex-Southampton man has often been a lightning rod for criticism from numerous supporters, while he has contributed just two goals and 11 assists in 141 games for the club.
Youngster Brandon Williams, who broke into the first team over the last year, is seemingly already behind Shaw in the pecking order, reduced to a solitary Carabao Cup appearance thus far in 2020/21, and Telles’ signing could leave him badly struggling for game-time.
It may not be a welcome development for those two, but with United making just one signing so far in a window which will shut in seven days’ time, the Red Devils need to get the Telles deal done rather than be left regretting any last-gasp mistakes which could scupper the transfer.
Man United fans, how big a coup would Telles be if the deal is completed? Comment below with your views!