Manchester United 'eye Cedric Soares as Antonio Valencia replacement'

Manchester United have reportedly identified Southampton full-back Cedric Soares as a possible long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia.

United boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be considering defensive reinforcements this summer due to current full-backs Valencia and Ashley Young both turning 33 before the start of next season.

Both players are also out of contract at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, although United do have the option to extend Valencia's deal for a further year beyond that - as they did with Young earlier this season.

The futures of fellow full-backs Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw are also uncertain, leading to the likes of Alex Sandro, Danny Rose, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Sessegnon being linked with the club.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Soares has also now been added to the list of possible signings, with the 26-year-old potentially available in a cut-price deal should Southampton be relegated.

However, United would likely face competition for the Portuguese international's signature, with Tottenham Hotspur having also been linked with a move.

Written by
Barney Corkhill