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The representatives of Man City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri “offered” him to Man Utd in the week preceding the transfer deadline, according to ESPN reporter Rob Dawson.
The journalist has inside sources at Old Trafford, and he claims that a shock move across Manchester failed to materialise as the Red Devils only wanted the defender on loan:
“They were offered Rayan Ait-Nouri by his representatives in the last week of the window, and were informed by Man City on deadline day that any deal must include an obligation to make the move permanent.”
“United withdrew their interest once it became clear they would have to make a long-term commitment to reach an agreement.”
Why was Ait-Nouri offered to the club?
The Algerian international only moved to City from Wolves last summer in a deal worth an initial £31.8m, but he has found game time hard to come by.
Ait-Nouri started just 12 league games last season, and he has been an unused substitute in City’s three matches across all competitions this campaign. He would have been hoping that a change in manager from Pep Guardiola to Enzo Maresca would have improved his fortunes, but so far that hasn’t proven to be the case.
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Man Utd are waiting for Hall
In addition to Ait-Nouri, Dawson confirmed reports from elsewhere that United did have the opportunity to buy RB Leipzig captain David Raum for £30m.
However, they did not see the German international as a long-term solution for the left-back position and his arrival would have blocked the path for a younger player who could be brought in during a future window.
The player in question is clearly Lewis Hall. Newcastle refused to sell the 21-year-old this summer, but there is hope that their stance will soften in the New Year.
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