Manchester United enter race for €16m Jorge Salinas

Manchester United have entered the battle for Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas, potentially disrupting Atlético Madrid's attempt to sign the highly-rated 19-year-old.

Racing have made their position clear: Salinas will only leave if a club pays his €16m release clause. United are reportedly prepared to meet that figure as Michael Carrick's side continue searching for a new left-back.

According to Infobae, Atlético have already offered €14m for Salinas, but Racing rejected the proposal.

Sporting director Chema Aragón is refusing to lower the asking price and continues to point interested clubs towards the €16m clause.

Atlético were expected to accelerate their pursuit after selling Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa, but they have yet to complete a deal. That delay has allowed United to enter the bidding.

The Spanish club have now reportedly set themselves a deadline of this weekend to complete the transfer. If no agreement is reached, Atlético could withdraw from the race, potentially leaving United with a clearer path.

Barcelona have also previously shown interest in the Spain Under-19 international.

Salinas remains under contract with Racing until 2029, while the club have also offered him improved terms.

The defender has yet to respond to that proposal as he waits to discover whether one of his suitors will make a decisive move before the transfer deadline.

Despite the speculation, Aragón insists Salinas remains focused after making his La Liga debut against Villarreal last weekend.

“Thankfully, the kid is focused,” Aragón said. “If someone comes along, brings the €16m, and the boy likes the team, he’ll leave.”

That makes the conditions surrounding a transfer relatively straightforward: Racing want the full clause, while Salinas must approve the destination.

Salinas is not the only left-back on Manchester United's radar.

United are also in talks with Club Brugge over Joaquin Seys, giving Carrick another option should the Salinas deal fail to progress.

Their preferred target had been Lewis Hall, but Newcastle United do not want to sell the England international. That stance has forced United to explore alternatives as they attempt to strengthen the position before the window closes.

Salinas now represents one of those possibilities, with Atlético's difficulties potentially creating an opportunity for United to move quickly.

Atlético's self-imposed weekend deadline could determine where the Salinas deal goes next. United can avoid lengthy negotiations with Racing by paying the €16m clause, but the player would still need to approve the move.

Should Manchester United pay €16m for Jorge Salinas or focus on completing a deal for Joaquin Seys?