Man Utd transfer ON amid 'weak link' warning

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Dec 2024 16:11 GMT
4 min read

Manchester United's pursuit of a left-back could culminate in a move for Theo Hernandez despite his talks over a contract extension with AC Milan, according to Italian media.

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The Frenchman is on the way out of San Siro. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a potential new contract with AC Milan would prelude, not preclude, a summer transfer.

The Rossoneri have been determined to hand the left-back fresh terms since at least the summer when Hernandez was in what has been described as 'advanced talks' with Bayern Munich over a potential move.

The transfer didn't materialise but it showed Milan that they were vulnerable to losing their star defender. However, in football, things change quickly and just a few months on, the potential departure of Hernandez is no longer seen as a threat but, in some ways, as a potential boon.

The above-mentioned report insists that a contract extension would do little to stop a summer transfer as Hernandez is in the midst of a torrid season. He is being described as the weak link not just in Milan's defence but even the entire team.

Hernandez to Man Utd on?

Just last week, reports from Italy claimed that Hernandez could be put on the market as early as January but today's news casts doubt on this simply due to the fact that Milan have no viable replacement for the 27-year-old.

A summer transfer is much more realistic and Milan would not refrain from negotiating should they receive an 'indecent proposal,' though specific numbers were not mentioned.

Hernandez's form will be a worry to potential suitors, but it seems unlikely to prevent any concrete interest from materialising, with several European top clubs in the market for a left-back.

With Alphonso Davies seemingly close to a contract extension at Bayern Munich, Man Utd could make a push for Hernandez in 2025, while Real Madrid may also shift their focus should they miss out on top target Davies.

Man Utd's desire to get younger and Hernandez's price could put the Frenchman below former Red Devils' prospect Alvaro Carreras on the club's shortlist, but the 27-year-old previously showed that he can be among Europe's best in his position when on form.