Manchester United earmark summer move for Chelsea target Alex Sandro

Manchester United will move for Juventus defender Alex Sandro at the end of the season if Jose Mourinho decides to sign a left-back to replace Luke Shaw, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Sandro has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea since the end of last season but Antonio Conte’s side are ready to end their interest in the Brazilian by signing Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri this month.

The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy at Juventus but the Old Lady’s transfer demands have frustrated Chelsea to the point where they are happy to give up on the Brazil international.

Emerson's impending move to Chelsea could provide United with a clear run at Sandro's signature at the end of the season, but Mourinho will first give Luke Shaw the chance to build on his impressive recent form.

The United manager hailed Shaw as the best left-back in the Premier League on current form last week before dropping him for Ashley Young in Saturday's 1-0 win away to Burnley.

Shaw has endured a nightmare spell at United and has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford ever since Mourinho was appointed managed 18 months ago.

The 22-year-old’s current United deal was due to expire in the summer but United have triggered their right to an extra 12 months and a decision on his future will be made at the end of the season.

Since the start of last season, only Paulo Dybala (7.59) has garnered a higher WhoScored Serie A rating than Sandro (7.55) of all Juventus players.