Manchester United star offered Serie A switch amid Nuno Mendes transfer interest

One Manchester United star has been offered a route out of Old Trafford amid the club’s interest in Paris St. Germain left-back Nuno Mendes.

Manchester United have reportedly made a move to sign Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes ahead of the 2025 transfer windows, as the club continues to struggle defensively under new head coach Rúben Amorim.

Amorim has yet to solidify United’s leaky defence, with set-pieces proving to be a persistent weakness. Addressing these issues is expected to be a key focus in the upcoming transfer market.

The left-back position has been a longstanding concern for United over the past decade. Luke Shaw, a regular in the role, has been plagued by injuries ever since his double leg fracture in a Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Shaw’s deputy, Tyrell Malacia, only recently returned from a gruelling 17-month recovery period following a serious knee injury that required multiple surgeries.

In the interim, Diogo Dalot has been filling in at left-back, but Amorim has acknowledged that the player is far more comfortable on his natural right side.

Shaw offered a route out of United

Amid United’s interest in Mendes, Shaw has now been offered a route away from the Old Trafford outfit, with a January exit possible.

According to Napoli Calcio Live via GiveMeSport, the 29-year-old has been identified as a primary target” by Napoli manager Antonio Conte.

Conte is said to be impressed by the fact that Shaw has the versatility to play both as a left centre-back in a back three as well as a wing-back, which suits his 3-4-3 system, with the 55-year-old keen to exploit the good working relationship between United and Napoli.

The two clubs are currently on good terms after working on a deal that saw Scott McTominay sign for the Serie A club for a £25 million fee, where he has since thrived as a midfielder.

The report from Italy claims that, with Shaw yet to start a fixture this season due to his consistent injuries, Amorim no longer sees the England international as part of his long-term plans in the North West.

Despite Shaw’s injury issues, which have seen him miss over four seasons worth of football since he joined United in 2014, Conte is seemingly intent on landing the player in 2025, with a move in the January transfer window a possibility.

What Amorim said about Shaw when he arrived

Speaking when he first arrived at the club, Amorim explained that he thinks Shaw still has the capabilities to become a top player if he can overcome his injury struggles.

“What I can say since I arrived, I see him in the medical department working a lot in the gym, working a lot on the pitch, we control the load during the games, during the trainings, he was losing weight, so he was doing everything,” he said at the beginning of December after the defender was ruled out with yet another injury.

“If he continues to do that behaviour, he’s a top, top player and we need him.

“No matter how long he will need, I will be with him, we will help him to return, not just Manchester United but your national team needs a guy like Luke Shaw, so we are here to help him.”

There has been no confirmed timeline for Shaw’s return to action, although rumours have stated that he will hopefully return early in the new year.

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