Manchester United plot £26m bid for Luke Shaw replacement

Manchester United are prepared to pay a fee in excess of £26m in order to prise away Faouzi Ghoulam from Napoli at the end of the current season.

The Algeria international has had a tough season in the Serie A with a kneecap injury hampering his first-team participation since a Champions League game in November.

Despite this, Ghoulam was offered a fresh long-term deal with the Naples outfit, although the extension is said to include a £35m release clause, valid for overseas clubs.

According to RMC Sport, United are aiming to sign a new left-sided defender and Ghoulam has been identified as the prime target to fulfil their requirements.

It is added that the Red Devils want a £26m sorted out during the early stages of the transfer window or else they may look elsewhere to pursue a replacement.

Luke Shaw, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian are all expected to leave Old Trafford during the summer, and this will allow United to recoup funds to reinvest in their backline.