Manchester United will reportedly turn to Norwich’s Max Aarons if they fail in their bid to sign Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
Palace have rejected United’s opening £40million offer for Wan-Bissaka, 21, but the Red Devils are already planning their next proposal which is expected to be in the region of £50m.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his heart set on signing Wan-Bissaka and is encouraging United to move closer to Palace’s £60m valuation for the England Under-21 international.
According to Sky Sports, United have a back-up plan in case Palace block Wan Bissaka’s exit and have identified Norwich full-back Aarons, 19, as their second choice target.
The report claims that Tottenham and RB Leipzig are also keen on Aarons after the youngster’s exceptional debut campaign in which he was at the heart of a Norwich team which topped the Championship to earn promotion to the Premier League.
Aarons, who made 41 league appearances across the campaign, was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year and also won the EFL Young Player of the Season award.
It’s understood Palace would also consider a move for Aarons if Wan-Bissaka seals a switch to Old Trafford.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Thomas Meunier is also on United’s radar as a possible replacement for Antonio Valencia, but Solskjaer is adamant that Wan-Bissaka is the player he wants on the right side of his defence.
Reports suggest Solskjaer is yet to be convinced by Diogo Dalot, hence United’s interest in the likes of Wan-Bissaka and Aarons.
Wan-Bissaka, who recently signed a new long-term deal keeping him at Palace until 2022, is not prepared to force his way out of the club this summer.
Asked about his future at the end of Palace’s season, Wan-Bissaka explained: ‘I am with Crystal Palace at the moment.
‘That is where my contract is and that is where I will be next season.
‘I have got three years left on my contract. It says I am going to be there, so that is all I can focus on now.’
MORE: Philippe Coutinho makes frank Barcelona admission amid speculation over his future
