Manchester United have been given encouragement in their efforts to sign Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, whose opportunities under Italian manager Enzo Maresca have been limited this season.
The 25-year-old was considered a potential United target during the previous summer transfer window, as the club looked to strengthen at left-back.
United were also linked with Newcastle player Lewis Hall and Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde. However, manager Michael Carrick did not bring in a new player for the position and has been forced to rely on Luke Shaw as his only first-team option there.
The club had shown an interest in signing Ait-Nouri, but Manchester City rejected a loan proposal for the Algeria international on the final day of the transfer window. That decision may not end the matter, with United expected to reassess their interest in January as the possibility of the player leaving City grows, according to the British newspaper The Sun.
Ait-Nouri has made only four appearances this season and has not played in the Premier League. His desire for regular football comes after he featured in just 17 Premier League matches under Pep Guardiola last season.
Manchester City have been reluctant to allow the defender to join their local rivals. Ait-Nouri is also attracting interest from Italian club Juventus, giving him another potential option if his situation at the Etihad Stadium does not improve.
His representatives are now understood to be seeking a resolution during the forthcoming winter transfer window.
“We have to find the best solution with Manchester City,” the player’s representatives said. “He cannot remain in a situation where his talent is being wasted.”
Ait-Nouri has played twice in domestic cup and Champions League competition this season. Despite his limited involvement, he has provided three assists in 168 minutes of football.
