Manchester United considering move for Barcelona defender

Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on the contract situation of Barcelona defender Jordi Alba with a view to a future approach for his signature.

The Spain international is presently in his seventh campaign with the Catalan giants and he has racked nearly 250 appearances across all competitions.

Despite this, his long-term future with the Blaugrana remains a concern with his contract expiring in the summer of 2020 and Sport claims that United are monitoring his situation.

The Red Devils have generally relied on Luke Shaw and Ashley Young to perform the duties on the left side of the defence but they are said to be eyeing a fresh recruit with the latter likely to be phased out in the near future.

Shaw has done incredibly well during the opening phase of the season where he has been named the club's Player of the Month on successive occasions but there remains the need for competition, if United are to challenge for silverware more frequently.