Manchester United stepping up Max Aarons interest
Friday 5 July 2019 09:42, UK
Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Norwich defender Max Aarons, who they see as an alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sky Sports News understands.
United are keen to sign a new right-back following the departure of captain Antonio Valencia, and Crystal Palace's Wan-Bissaka is understood to be one of their top targets.
However, they had a bid worth £50m for the 21-year-old rejected this week, and are now understood to be intensifying their pursuit of Aarons.
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The 19-year-old impressed for Norwich last season, winning the EFL Young Player of the Season award as the Canaries won the Championship and returned to the Premier League.
United's interest in the England U19 international comes amid a shift in transfer policy at Old Trafford towards targeting young, homegrown players.
However, Sky in Italy report they have also been in contact with Napoli regarding a move for right-back Elseid Hysaj as an alternative to Wan-Bissaka.
The 25-year-old Albania international has already revealed his intention to leave the Serie A club this summer, saying he is ready to "play for another team and maybe try to win something".
The defender came through the academy at Serie B side Empoli and was signed by Napoli for £4.5m in 2015, going on to make 130 appearances for them in all competitions.
Hysaj, who has 47 caps for Albania, can also operate comfortably at left-back.
Sky in Italy also understand that if Napoli sell Hysaj, they would be interested in Tottenham and England full-back Kieran Trippier.
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