Manchester United prepare £30m for Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez?

Manchester United have reportedly set aside £30m to sign Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez this month.

The Red Devils have been without a natural senior left-back ever since Luke Shaw suffered a broken leg in September.

The likes of Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young and youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have all filled in over recent months, but it is believed that manager Louis van Gaal is eager to secure the services of a recognised left-sided full-back.

According to Bild, Rodriguez is Van Gaal's preferred choice, with a formal bid expected to be made in the near future.

The 23-year-old, who played against United in the Champions League this season, has recently been linked with Real Madrid.