A breakout Premier League left-back is emerging as a key transfer target, offering exciting attacking potential to challenge Manchester United's established starter.
Who would you like to see as the left-back signing?
Manchester United is in the market for multiple positions amid a summer rebuild. The Reds are prioritising multiple midfielders, as well as another defender, striker, and possibly a new winger to provide competition for an already improved attack.
Elliot Anderson, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Junior Kroup are just some of the names speculated as being on the shortlist for the summer rebuild. As the Reds have all but secured Champions League football for next season, focus shifts towards recruitment.
A position that is somewhat under the radar is the left-back position. Patrick Dorgu has transformed into a hybrid winger/ fullback as his attacking prowess is prioritised, and Diego Leon may not be ready for first-team football yet.
A Premier League fullback who is having a stellar debut campaign has emerged as a potential target to provide "competition" for a trustworthy Luke Shaw.
United monitoring Diouf
West Ham's season has been unimpressive for many reasons this campaign. The Irons sit 17th currently and are just two points clear of relegation-threatened Spurs.
That said, the London club seems to have some stars in its books. Mateus Fernandes has caught the eye since his move from Southampton, as well as Crysencio Summerville, who is having the best season of his career.
Both are expected to leave West Ham in the summer, and the same can be said for defender Mailck Diouf. Since arriving from Slavia Prague last summer for around £19 million, the Senegalese left back has quickly matched the standard in the Premier League.
With a shortage of attacking left-backs in modern football, Diouf seems a viable option to mould into the next permanent manager's long-term left-sided defender, whatever formation that manager chooses.
The 21-year-old holds lots of promise, having recorded five assists in a West Ham side that sits 14th in the goalscoring table.
Diouf's physical ability will be enticing to lots of top-flight clubs, and according to The Guardian, United aren't the only club monitoring Diouf's situation. That said, the report mentions that "West Ham are aware of United's interest."
What other alternatives are there for Diouf?
While Diouf certainly sits high in the pecking order for left-back recruitment this summer, if the Reds are unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Senegalese international, there are plenty of alternatives the club can pursue.
Lewis Hall was a name linked heavily with United for some time, and after a dip in Newcastle's form, the 21-year-old may be looking to jump ship and compete in the Champions League yet again.
Hall has recently pushed for his place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, having impressed this season for Eddie Howe's Newcastle. His ability has caught the eye of many top clubs.
Maxi Araújo is an outsider for this position. The Uruguayan has come into his own for Sporting Lisbon this season and is drumming up interest from Europe's elites.
At 26, Araújo has gained vital experience in South America and in the Champions League, and is versatile enough to make a great case for United to sign him. Reports suggest Newcastle and other Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on him.