Manchester United are set for talks with Juventus about Alex Sandro, and their interest has been peaked as the Italian champions are willing to take players in exchange.

United are in the market for a new left-back as they don’t see Ashley Young as the long-term option, and they have told Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw they can leave.

Danny Rose was a genuine option but Tottenham have been demanding more than £50million and with the player’s wages demands, the deal was getting to eye-watering standards – especially for a full-back – which is why they are now showing more than a passing interest in Sandro.

The 27-year-old, previously a target of Chelsea and Manchester City, is now in United’s sights and the fact is they could send a couple of players to Turin, to make the deal hugely palatable to the club’s hierarchy.

One of those is Darmian, who United have told can leave, and the other is Anthony Martial – who has been unsettled for more than a year at Old Trafford.

Juve like Darmian and Martial, and having those two in the deal appeals to them – so talks are now progressing.

United are also continuing their pursuit of Shakthar Donetsk ace Fred – who unlike Sandro – has been included in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Fred has long been on United’s radar and despite interest from neighbours City in January, it appears he is closing in on a move to Old Trafford.

Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has also been linked, but sources close to Fred believe he is set for a move to United.

With the English transfer window now closing for Premier League clubs at the start of August, United are pushing to get their first deals of the summer done as soon as possible.

Bookmakers believe there is a real chance of United bagging both Sandro and Fred, with BoyleSports going 4/1 on the pair landing at Old Trafford.

BoyleSports spokesman Lawrence Lyons said: “We wouldn’t be surprised to see Mourinho act quickly this summer and with Sandro omitted from the Brazil World Cup squad there’s a good chance he’ll be snapped up right away.

“They may face a transfer tussle with their neighbours for Fred so we’re happy to go 4/1 that United sign both, but it sure would be a good early message to City if Jose recruits the two Brazilians in his attempt to bridge the gap.”