Manchester United plotting move to sign Brazilian defender in deal that could cost £21 million: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Flamengo defender Wesley Franca to strengthen their full-back depth in the near future.
Wesley, who made his senior debut for his team in December 2021, has cemented himself as an indispensable part of Flamengo's squad in the last two years. He has helped his boyhood club lift two trophies so far.
Now, according to Bolavip, Manchester United are monitoring Wesley's progress at Flamengo now with the intention of signing him in the future. The Brazilian side are likely to demand a fee of around £21 million.
Wesley, whose current contract will expire in December 2028, has started 74 of his 99 appearances across competitions for Flamengo. The 21-year-old right-back has contributed two goals and three assists so far.
Should Wesley secure a permanent move to Manchester United in the near future, he could prove to be a shrewd signing. He would offer fine competition to Noussair Mazraoui with Diogo Dalot starting on the left.
Meanwhile, Mazraoui is currently recovering from a cardiac issue while Luke Shaw is still nursing a pre-season calf injury. Tyrell Malacia, on the other hand, is likely to return to action soon following his knee issue.
Manchester United urged to offload attacker
Speaking to UK-based online bookmaker Bonus Code Bets, ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker claimed that his former club should part ways with Antony in the future. He said (h/t Metro):
"I just don't think he's good enough. He hasn't got the physicality, and it's less to do with muscle and size and more to do with presence and strength comes from within, but he doesn't play that way. He plays like someone with a small stature, rounded shoulders, and doesn't stand up with belief in himself."
Parker, who helped United lift three Premier League titles, added:
"For someone with a left foot, he's got one of the worst left feet I've seen, and left-footers are normally always talented. They're either really talented or they've got a rocket of a left foot, and he just lacks any strength in his left foot. He struggles with power. Technique, he struggles with. It just hasn't worked."
Antony, 24, has failed to live up to his £86 million price tag since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2022. He has made four appearances across all competitions for his club this campaign, registering one goal.
Owing to Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho's recent rise in respective statures, Antony could opt to leave the Red Devils. He has reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Ajax.