Manchester United have entered into direct negotiations to sign Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, with club-to-club talks already underway.
The Red Devils have also made contact with the 19-year-old’s agent as they look to bolster their options at left-back ahead of a busy campaign.
Michael Carrick’s side are set to return to the Champions League next season, meaning they will face a significantly heavier fixture schedule than recent years.
Luke Shaw will need to be rested more regularly, and United are keen to bring in a reliable left-back alternative to ease that burden on the squad.
Patrick Dorgu has primarily been deployed as a left-winger since Carrick’s arrival, leaving the position somewhat undermanned heading into the new season.
Salinas has a release clause of just €16m, equivalent to £14m, making him an attractive low-cost option for a United side needing depth in that area.
The data team at Old Trafford are understood to be big admirers of the teenage defender, who is considered a high-potential target for the club.
United scouts tracked Salinas extensively throughout his season with Racing Santander, who clinched the La Liga 2 title, during which he made 33 appearances and recorded seven assists.
Their interest was further strengthened when scouts attended the European Under-19 Championship in Wales in June and July, where Salinas represented Spain throughout the tournament.
He played a key role as Spain went on to win the tournament, and his performances there only reinforced the positive reports United had already compiled on the player.
However, United are not alone in their pursuit, with Atletico Madrid pushing hard to win the race for Salinas over the past month.
Atletico accelerated their approach after allowing Matteo Ruggeri to depart for Aston Villa, and they are now aware that United have made contact with Racing and Salinas’ representatives.
That knowledge has prompted Atletico to intensify their efforts in a bid to get ahead of the competition before a deal can be formalised by United.
United have not yet decided whether to formally trigger the release clause, and the clock is ticking with just 13 days remaining in the transfer window.
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has also been identified as a target, though the 21-year-old is contracted until 2029 and Newcastle may resist another high-profile departure this summer.
RB Leipzig’s David Raum remains another name on United’s left-back shortlist, with the 28-year-old German international also being closely monitored by the club.
Carrick’s side face Hull City away on Saturday, 22 August, before hosting Ipswich Town the following week as the Premier League season gets underway.