Manchester United are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys as Michael Carrick continues to reshape his squad this transfer window.
The Red Devils have been actively searching for a reliable left-back to strengthen their defensive options and provide genuine competition for first-team minutes.
United initially identified Newcastle United youngster Lewis Hall as their primary target for the position, but have been unable to convince the club to sanction a sale.
With that avenue seemingly closed off, Joaquin Seys has emerged as a prominent alternative candidate on United’s transfer shortlist, according to Sport Witness.
The 21-year-old Belgium international came through the academy setup at Club Brugge and is closing in on a century of appearances for the Belgian side.
Sources suggest that Seys “ticks a lot of boxes” for Carrick and Co., largely due to his considerable potential to develop and improve significantly in the years ahead.
United are not keen to pay the full asking price for Seys, and are instead hoping to negotiate a deal at a “reduced fee” well below current valuations.
The plan would initially see Seys serve as understudy to Luke Shaw before gradually establishing himself as the club’s first-choice left-back over the coming seasons.
Seys impressed considerably during a breakthrough campaign at Brugge, contributing five goals and eight assists across all competitions last term.
However, a recently signed contract extension ties the defender to the Jupiler Pro League club until the summer of 2029, giving Brugge considerable negotiating leverage in any potential discussions.
Reports suggest United would need to table a financial package exceeding €40m, equivalent to around £34.2m, to force a serious breakthrough in transfer talks.
Club Brugge demonstrated their tough negotiating position recently by securing a league-record €40m fee from Arsenal for attacking forward Christos Tzolis.
Brugge manager Ivan Leko further complicated matters by admitting the club would find it very difficult to reject an extraordinarily lucrative offer for one of their star players.
United will need to move decisively if they are serious about landing Seys, with competition for top defensive talent intensifying significantly across Europe’s biggest clubs this summer.