Manchester United are challenging Chelsea for Juventus fullback Alex Sandro this month.

The Mirror says United manager Jose Mourinho has identified the Brazilian international as the man to solve his left-back problem and has urged his club to meet Juventus' £53million asking price.

United 's interest is unlikely to be firmed up until the summer but they could be prompted to enter the market earlier than planned if Conte is able to convince his Chelsea bosses that the 26-year-old is worth the money during the current transfer widow.

Juventus will sell if they can bring in a replacement – and their search has also alerted Paris St Germain to the possibility that Sandro will be sold sooner rather than later.

Despite Luke Shaw's form resurgence, Mourinho still wants to bring Sandro to England this month.