Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move to sign Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, according to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell.
The 19-year-old has a £16 million release clause, making him a significantly cheaper alternative to Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.
Whitwell revealed the interest during the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast, naming Salinas as a genuine option for the club.
“Jorge Salinas is on the list of potential options [alternatives to Lewis Hall at left-back]. I think he’s got a £16M release clause so he’d be a lot cheaper. Represented by Jorge Mendes, let’s see what shapes up,” Whitwell said.
The left-back position has been a persistent concern for United, with Luke Shaw enduring a long history of fitness problems since his arrival from Southampton.
Patrick Dorgu was signed from Lecce as a potential long-term successor to Shaw, but the Dane has been deployed predominantly as a winger under manager Michael Carrick.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can offer cover on the left flank, though both are naturally more comfortable operating as right-backs.
Shaw’s current contract is set to expire next summer, adding further urgency to United’s search for a reliable left-back option this transfer window.
Salinas is a left-footed defender capable of playing both at left-back and left centre-back, bringing pace, technical quality, and strong defensive awareness to the role.
The Spaniard delivered an impressive campaign last term, registering seven assists and keeping seven clean sheets across 33 La Liga 2 appearances while helping Racing Santander earn promotion.
Elsewhere in their summer business, United have strengthened their midfield by signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Whether the club makes a concrete move for Salinas before the September 1st transfer deadline remains to be seen, but the interest appears genuine with Mendes also involved in the player’s representation.