Could Paris Saint Germain’s Serge Aurier improve Manchester United’s hopes of success in 2017/18?

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Manchester United have already made some impressive signings as they push on with their transfer plans this summer, and French newspaper L’Equipe now say that Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier could be the next addition. The 24-year-old joined the Parisian club from Toulouse in 2014, initially on loan, but could now be on the market for as little as £17 million.

What would he bring to Old Trafford?

Serge Aurier is a no-nonsense style full-back, who focuses on the defensive side of his game before bombing down the wing. Strong in the air and in the challenge, his physical presence is a challenge for many light-footed wingers as they try to get past him down the flank.

That is not to say that he is not a threat going forwards. Aurier is a good crosser of the ball and as such has often taken indirect set pieces and corners for Unai Emery’s side, often creating opportunities for his team-mates to turn them into goals. The Ivory Coast international also has plenty of experience at the highest level after several years at the top of Ligue 1.

Is a move likely?

L’Equipe’s claims that Aurier is available for somewhere between £17 million and £22 million would suggest that he may be available at a fairly cheap price in the current market. Many of the teams that they also cite as being interested, including Manchester City, AC Milan and Barcelona, have already signed right-backs this summer in Kyle Walker, Andrea Conti and Nelson Semedo respectively.

That leaves just Juventus as competition, with PSG looking likely to sell after the arrival of Dani Alves from Turin on a free transfer. Having upset bosses with an incident on social media earlier this season leading to suspension, it seems that his days in Paris are numbered.

However, United already have Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian at right-back and it seems unlikely that they would be looking to add to the full-back position unless one of those players is on the move. With midfield seemingly the club’s priority this summer, they may be reluctant to fork out on an area where they already have cover.