Ten Hag held exit talks with Man Utd wonderkid as clubs fight for his signature

23 August 2023 , 16:20

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Alvaro Fernandez has been involved in Man United's pre-season (Image: Getty Images)

Granada and Burnley are both keen on a deal to sign Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez before the end of the transfer window.

Fernandez spent last season on loan at Preston in the Championship and returned to Old Trafford this summer, featuring in pre-season training for United. The 20-year-old had been likely to go out on loan once again this season after boss Erik ten Hag took a closer look at the Spaniard to evaluate his progress.

United are aware that the Spaniard’s progression path will hasten with regular first-team football and are willing to sanction his exit this summer, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia occupying the left-back slot – while Brandon Williams is in talks over a move to Ipswich.

However, the Red Devils are not keen for Fernandez to depart permanently as they believe he has the potential to be a first-team player within the coming seasons. Granada are believed to want an option to buy him permanently in a loan proposal, while Burnley ’s interest – while less advanced – would include permanency.

The 20-year-old joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid back in 2020 but he has yet to make a competitive appearance for United's first team. After more than 40 appearances in Premier League 2, though, he secured a loan move to Preston – where he provided six assists – a year ago to give him a taste of senior football.

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The former Spain Under-19 international impressed during a season at Deepdale in which he made 42 appearances. United believe the presence of Shaw and Malacia, alongside Diogo Dalot’s capability of playing left-back, leaves them with sufficient cover in the position.

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Fernandez has impressed in pre-season for Man United (PA)

There are no shortage of suitors for Fernandez with West Ham also having been keeping tabs on his future. Las Palmas, Espanyol and Eintracht Frankfurt have also been credited with an interest in the player, who is keen to play regular football.

Fernandez has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract and the club have an option to extend that arrangement by a further year. Ten Hag is keen to allow more youth-team products a place in his squad, after the promotions of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, while Hannibal Mejbri is also set for first-team involvement this campaign.

Colin Millar