Erik ten Hag urged Manchester United to hijack a move for Ajax star Noussair Mazraoui, report The Mirror.
Mazraouri is a free agent at the end of the season.
But the 24-year-old is reported to be lukewarm on the idea of moving to Manchester United.
He is lined up for a move to German champions Bayern Munich, and is expected to sign with them, despite United’s interest.
Mazraoui was the first Ajax academy player handed a debut under Ten Hag. There have been 21 in total.
He plays as a right-back, and would have been a smart addition for United in a problem area.
Neither Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka have done enough this season to command a spot for next season.
It makes a lot of sense for United to target Mazraoui, especially considering the problems at the position, and his contract situation.
The 24-year-old is a Moroccan international who have five goals and four assists this season.
United’s reported difficulty to pull off the move despite Ten Hag, shows the problems the club may encounter through the summer, due to a lack of Champions League football.
Ten Hag may be able to change his mind, but ultimately United want players with a desire to play for the club, without coming reluctantly.
The move does at least show that action could be coming at right-back. Attacking full-backs are key to Ten Hag’s system, and United’s current options are not up to the task.