Manchester United set to pursue Juventus defender Alex Sandro in £60m January deal

Manchester United have been given the green light to pursue a a £60m ($80m) deal for Juventus defender Alex Sandro in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to Premier League champions Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Juventus, though, rejected multiple offers and slapped a heavy £80m ($106.7m) price tag on Sandro in a bid to deter interest from the Blues.

However, the Serie A champions are now open to offers and ready to sell the former Porto player after a drastic downturn in his form this season.

It is believed that Sandro's relationship with the club has deteriorated this season as he wanted to depart in the summer, with the 26-year-old featuring in just 17 games in all competitions so far.

According to the Mirror, United will now make an approach in January as manager Jose Mourinho is looking to improve his options at left-back.

With Ashley Young currently deputising at left-back and the likes of Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind falling out of favour with Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician is ready to sanction a £60m deal for Sandro.

The same report claims Mourinho is also ready to facilitate a deal that will see Darmian move to Turkish club Galatasaray to free up space for Sandro's potential arrival.

Tottenham's Danny Rose was said to be the 54-year-old's first choice, but as things stand, United believe landing Sandro will be a much easier process.

Meanwhile, Chelsea could also make an offer for Rose in January. However, they could be drawn into a bidding war with United over Sandro as well now that the Turin club are willing to sell.