Manchester United eye January move for Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri
Since joining Wolves, Ait-Nouri has made over 100 Premier League appearances and is under contract until the summer of 2026
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly eyeing Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri as a potential January signing.
The 39-year-old, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon, managed his first match on Sunday, with the team drawing 1-1 against Ipswich Town.
The result highlighted the scale of the challenge ahead for Amorim, who will be operating under a limited transfer budget due to United’s efforts to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Despite this, Amorim has set his sights on bolstering his squad, with Ait-Nouri emerging as a key target.
The 23-year-old, an Algeria international, has been one of the few bright spots for Wolves during their difficult start to the season.
According to The Sun, Amorim is keen to strengthen the left-back position, which has been weakened by injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, and Ait-Nouri is his preferred option.
Ait-Nouri has registered three goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, and it is understood that he is open to leaving Molineux in 2025.
His performances have reportedly attracted interest from several top-flight clubs, including Liverpool, who have previously shown an interest in the attacking wing-back.
Since joining Wolves, Ait-Nouri has made over 100 Premier League appearances and is under contract until the summer of 2026.
While it remains unclear whether United and Wolves would be willing to negotiate a deal during the January window, Ait-Nouri is not the only Premier League player on Amorim’s radar.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who was the subject of multiple bids from United in the summer, is still of interest.
Despite Branthwaite’s failure to sign a new contract at Goodison Park, Everton remains in a strong position, as the defender has three years left on his current deal.
Branthwaite is viewed as a player who could excel in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system, and United are expected to make another move for him in January, especially given the high interest from other clubs.
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