Manchester United have made formal enquiries about signing Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri before the transfer window closes, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Ait-Nouri began his senior career in France with Angers before Wolverhampton Wanderers secured his signature on a permanent basis in the summer of 2021 following an impressive loan spell.
The 25-year-old went on to become a key figure at Wolves, making 135 league appearances for the West Midlands club across his time there.
Manchester City then signed him last summer, bringing the Algerian international to the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
His first season at City has not gone entirely to plan, however, with Ait-Nouri managing just 17 Premier League appearances throughout the campaign.
Competition for the left-back position at the Etihad has been fierce, with Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly, and Rico Lewis all capable of operating in that role.
The departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City has added further uncertainty surrounding Ait-Nouri’s long-term future at the club.
United have now registered their interest in a deadline-day deal, though the situation remains complicated given City’s reluctance to sell late in the window.
Ben Jacobs has reported that it remains unclear whether United will push ahead and accelerate their pursuit of the fullback in the final hours of the window.
City are unlikely to sanction his departure at this stage, which could place significant pressure on United to make a compelling financial offer quickly.
Ait-Nouri carries a Transfermarkt valuation of around £34 million, meaning any concrete bid from United would likely need to surpass that figure to prompt serious talks.
With deadline day pressure mounting, United must decide swiftly whether to commit fully to a pursuit that could strengthen their left-back options considerably this season.