Norwich right-back Max Aarons has enjoyed a good debut season in the Premier League. (Getty Images)
According to a report from the Sky Sports, Manchester United will turn to Norwich City’s Max Aarons if they fail in their bid to sign Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
The Red Devils Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is targeting Wan-Bissaka as part of his summer overhaul, but United have had an initial offer of £40m rejected last week. The Eagles are in a strong position after securing the 21-year-old on a contract until 2022, and the defender is believed to be happy to stay at Selhurst Park next season.
Manchester United have indicated they will make an improved second offer, with Palace holding out for a fee close to £60m for Wan-Bissaka, who had an excellent last season that saw him establish himself as one of the best right-backs in the division.
However, Solskjaer’s United have a back-up plan in case Palace block the England U21 international’s exit and have identified Max Aarons as their second-choice target. Interestingly, Palace are also interested in the Norwich starlet alongside RB Leipzig and Tottenham, the report adds.
Having finished an underwhelming sixth in the table last season, Solskjaer is keen to make significant changes to his squad to take the club back to the top. The 46-year-old manager is continuing his squad rebuild after agreeing on a £18m deal with Swansea for Daniel James. The Wales winger is expected to be officially announced as a United player this week.
Defensive reinforcements are urgently needed at Old Trafford, with a long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia must. Ashley Young’s form tailed off dramatically in the second half of last season and at 33, he is on his last legs while Diogo Dalot isn’t quite ready to be a regular starter at right-back.
Under Solskjaer, the Reds are trying to change their transfer policy of signing readymade, world-class players to talented, hungrier youngsters with massive potential. Norwich’s Max Aarons is one such exciting talent who could be an ideal long-term replacement for Valencia.
Aarons enjoyed a superb breakthrough season with the Canaries in 2018-19, making 41 appearances in the Championship, as Daniel Farke’s side won the title. The teenager was named the EFL Young Player of the Season and included in the PFA Championship team of the year as part of Farke’s title-winning side last season.
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The 19-year-old is bursting with potential and is excellent on the overlap, a good crosser of the ball and would thrive in Solskjaer’s expansive system. Given his lack of top-flight experience, he’ll be a gamble to take but Aarons could be a real breath of fresh air at Old Trafford next season.
Aarons is a player who still has a lot of growing to do, but would fit into the way United play. The teenager is an excellent player and he’s only going to get better.