Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Manchester City in the January transfer window after struggling for first-team opportunities since joining from Wolverhampton in 2025.

The Algeria international has not played in the Premier League this season and has fallen behind Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly in the left-back pecking order under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be working on a departure plan for the 24-year-old. TeamTalk reports that the club would seek 30 million euros for Ait-Nouri during the winter window.

Manchester United are among the clubs to have been approached about a possible January transfer. The Red Devils considered a surprise move for the defender on the final day of the previous transfer window, although no agreement was reached.

Those discussions have since resumed, with Ait-Nouri reportedly open to moving across Manchester. Michael Carrick is looking for a solution to Manchester United’s ongoing problems at left-back, where the club need greater consistency and squad depth.

Ait-Nouri’s previous experience in the Premier League, both with Wolverhampton and Manchester City, would mean he would not need to adapt to the demands of English football. His ability to carry the ball forward and contribute in the final third could also give Carrick an additional attacking option from the left.

The defender has been left out of the Algeria squad, but remains regarded as a player capable of progressing possession and influencing matches in advanced areas. Those qualities could help Manchester United become more effective down the flanks.

There would, however, be an element of risk for the club. Ait-Nouri’s lack of playing time at Manchester City this season means Manchester United would first need to establish whether his situation is mainly the result of competition for places or whether it reflects a decline in form.

Everton are also interested, while clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany have been linked with the player. Manchester City would consider a loan arrangement that included either an obligation or an option to buy, with the final fee linked to the number of appearances he makes.

Such a deal could allow Manchester United to assess whether Ait-Nouri is suited to their needs before committing to a permanent transfer. It would also provide Manchester City with a potential route to move on from a player who has yet to secure a regular role under Maresca.