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Manchester United looking to bring Barcelona star Jordi Alba to Old Trafford, but sorting a deal with La Liga giants is proving difficult

MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to bring Barcelona star Jordi Alba to Old Trafford... but sorting a deal with the La Liga giants is proving difficult.

Jose Mourinho is hoping to nail down a starting left-back for 2017-18 after experimenting with countless players in that position last season.

 Jordi Alba is a summer target for Jose Mourinho's Manchester United
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Jordi Alba is a summer target for Jose Mourinho's Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images

The Special One used Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young in the role in the 2015-16 season - none of whom set the league alight.


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Now Mourinho is targeting a big-name star to fill the void, with Alba seemingly the perfect fit.

The Spanish left-back fell somewhat out of favour at the Nou Camp last season under Luis Enrique.

While he did manage 39 appearances in all competitions, Alba was consistently left out of the starting XI for the key games, including the Champions League knockout ties.

 Jordi Alba fell out of favour at Barcelona under Luis Enrique last term
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Jordi Alba fell out of favour at Barcelona under Luis Enrique last termCredit: Reuters
 Jordi Alba will leave Barcelona only if told he is surplus to requirements
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Jordi Alba will leave Barcelona only if told he is surplus to requirementsCredit: Getty Images

The Spaniard is under contract in Barcelona until 2020 and would reportedly be open to a move, should the La Liga giants deem him surplus to requirements.

However, the biggest stumbling block for Man United at present is the new leadership at the Catalan club.

Alba is said to feel more at ease since Ernesto Valverde was appointed new boss and may decide to stay on another year in order to find out where he stands.

 Jordi Alba would certainly become Man United's starting left-back
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Jordi Alba would certainly become Man United's starting left-backCredit: Getty Images

Meanwhile, United boss Mourinho will also turn his attention to signing a striker this summer.

The ex-Chelsea chief will need to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is injured until at least 2018 - and may opt out of his second season at Old Trafford.

Alvaro Morata appears the closest to signing, after Antoine Griezmann signed a new deal at Atletico Madrid, but the future of Kylian Mbappe is still very much up in the air, too.

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