Manchester United considered a late move for Argentina international Nicolás Tagliafico during the summer transfer window, but decided against pursuing the Lyon defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Tagliafico emerged as an internal option as United assessed ways to strengthen their full-back depth before the deadline. Romano described the 34-year-old as a “secret name” discussed within the club, although no formal move was made.
Manchester United weighed up Tagliafico before deadline day
“That name was Nico Tagliafico. Tagliafico was under consideration at Manchester United,” Romano said.
He added that the decision not to advance with the transfer was made by United, rather than being dictated by the player or Lyon. Tagliafico was ultimately left at the French club after the window closed.
Juventus and Atlético Madrid also explored a deal for the experienced left-back during the final stages of the window. Romano said both clubs tried to complete the move on deadline day, but ran out of time.
Atlético’s pursuit collapsed despite the player reportedly being open to joining Diego Simeone’s side. Spanish newspaper AS reported that the deal was also affected by Lyon’s failure to register a replacement and Atlético’s lack of sufficient salary-cap room.
Tagliafico, who has represented Argentina at the highest level, would have offered United an experienced short-term option on the left side of defence. The club had also been linked with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall as it considered younger alternatives in the position.
United will now have to assess whether their existing defensive options are sufficient for the season, or whether they return to the market for additional left-back cover when the transfer window reopens in January.
