Man Utd 'working on marquee free transfer' as first Ruben Amorim signing for new formation

Manchester United are working on a potential pursuit of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies at the end of the season, according to reports. Ruben Amorim could make the 23-year-old a statement early signing if he replaces Erik ten Hag as United manager this week as expected.

The Red Devils are reportedly locked in talks about triggering Amorim’s £8.3m release clause after the Sporting boss verbally accepted the job.

And Davies is emerging as one of the club’s first transfer targets in the new era ahead of his potential Bayern exit.

Davies’ contract with the Bundesliga goliaths expires next summer, and Sky Germany report that he has held no discussions over an extension.

It’s claimed that he could depart as a free agent at the end of the campaign, and United’s interest in a swoop is becoming increasingly concrete.

The Old Trafford outfit are said to have been gathering information about Davies for several days as INEOS form the next stage of their recruitment strategy.

The report adds that club chiefs have already made an informal inquiry to the defender’s representatives as they look to fend off rival interest in his signature.

Davies is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, representing the European champions’ latest blockbuster coup after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Leny Yoro also seemed destined to land at the Bernabeu before opting to join United in a surprise £59m deal.

INEOS may hope they can, too, persuade Davies to land at Old Trafford and play a pivotal role in the club’s new age under Amorim.

United need a new left-back, especially if the Portuguese tactician plans to bring his trademark 3-4-3 formation from Lisbon.

Tyrell Malacia is nearing the 18-month mark during his injury absence, while Luke Shaw has featured more times for England than his club since February 11.

In his final press conference as United boss, Ten Hag confirmed that Shaw had suffered another injury setback and couldn’t offer a timeline for his return.

“The process is not going as we expected. That’s the truth,” Ten Hag admitted after Sunday’s defeat at West Ham United.

“The setback, if you want to call it like this, we want also to do it very carefully. When he is now dropping again, we want to be very careful. We know his past.

“We have to do this right because we want him to be available because he will have a big impact on our performances and also on our levels.

“We can’t have him playing for some games and then drop out again. So, we will do it very carefully.”