- Tottenham rejected Al-Nassr’s bid for Royal, who is needed as defensive cover
- Saudi Pro League side are seven points behind leaders Al-Hilal after 19 games
- What on earth is going on at Newcastle?! Uncertainty over Joelinton and Callum Wilson, while Kieran Trippier leaving will be a slap in the face – It’s All Kicking Off
Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr have reportedly identified an alternative to Emerson Royal after seeing their £20million bid for the Brazilian rejected by Tottenham.
The Riyadh-based club are in the market for additions this month as they seek to catch Al-Hilal at the top of the standings in the second-half of the campaign.
Al-Nassr, led by the league’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, were rebuffed in their attempts to land the 25-year-old, who has played a bit-part role in Ange Postecoglou’s side so far this season.
That has led them to focus their attention on another fullback, in a move that would reunite their skipper a former teammate during his second spell at Manchester United.
According to The Telegraph, Al-Nassr are ‘prepared to bid’ for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has also been on the radar of European clubs.
Al-Nassr are looking to overturn a seven-point deficit in the second half of the campaign
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has made 13 appearances for Man United this season after recovering from a hamstring injury
United recently triggered a one-year extension in his contract that now sees his deal at Old Trafford run out in 2025. Earlier this month, Mail Sport revealed that Wan-Bissaka remains on the £90,000-a-week wages agreed when joining United from Crystal Palace five years ago, but the club have indicated they are willing to offer him a new deal on higher terms.
The England Under 21 international has made 13 appearances for United this term after recovering from a hamstring injury.
He has started each of the last six games for Erik ten Hag’s side in all competitions, including a 2-2 home draw against Spurs that featured a substitute appearance from Royal.
In recent weeks the right-back has been linked with a return to Selhurst Park that would see Michael Olise going in the opposite direction. Wan-Bissaka has also reportedly been the subject of an approach from Inter Milan.
Al-Nassr had a £20m bud for Tottenham fullback Emerson Royal rejected earlier this week
Al-Nassr will need to de-register one of their foreign players if Wan-Bissaka is to suit up for the team in the latter part of the season. The club bought former Liverpool star Sadio Mane and ex-Man City defender Aymeric Laporte last summer.
Clubs in the division is allowed to register a maximum of eight non-Saudi players for each matchday.
Al-Nassr also have the likes of Otavio, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana, David Ospina and Alex Telles on their books.
