Manchester United target Alex Telles urges Porto to lower asking price
Alex Telles believes Porto’s asking price to Manchester United of about €20m (£18.3m) for his transfer is unrealistic, with the left-back conscious he is in line to be a free agent next summer.
Although the 27-year-old remains hopeful a deal can be concluded this week, he is braced for negotiations to drag on towards the close of the window on 5 October.
Related: Hate crimes recorded at one in 10 football games in England and Wales
United’s stance is similar to the Brazilian’s and it is understood a valuation in the region of £12m is viewed as more realistic. There is an awareness in the player’s camp and at United that Porto’s need for money from Telles’s sale to finance investment in Sérgio Conceição’s squad may force down the fee. Telles would be clear in January to talk to clubs about a summer move as a free agent.
Telles is wanted by Ole Gunnar Solskjær to provide competition for Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams, with the manager also seeking a greater attacking threat from full-back. Last season Telles, who takes penalties, scored 11 times in the Portuguese top flight and made eight assists. In 158 Premier League appearances for United Shaw has scored once and made seven assists.
