Manchester United’s plans to reinforce their defensive options during the upcoming January transfer window have received a substantial boost, with reports revealing that confirmed target Rayan Ait-Nouri is actively preparing to force a departure from Manchester City.

The 25-year-old Algerian international has grown increasingly frustrated by a severe lack of regular first-team minutes at the Etihad Stadium, finding himself firmly behind Josko Gvardiol and emerging talent Nico O’Reilly in the defensive pecking order.

Determined to revitalize his career through consistent playing time, Ait-Nouri has signaled his clear intention to push for a mid-season exit, paving the way for what would be a rare and dramatic cross-city transfer between the two fierce Manchester rivals.

Crucially for the Old Trafford recruitment department, negotiating personal terms with the dynamic left-back is reportedly not expected to pose any obstacle whatsoever.

According to reliable European transfer insiders, Ait-Nouri is eager to embrace a fresh challenge where he can immediately command a prominent starting role, making him fully receptive to joining United’s rebuilding project.

Having struggled with persistent injury setbacks and defensive vulnerability down the left flank throughout a difficult domestic campaign, the Red Devils view the former Wolves standout—valued around £36 million—as an ideal solution to stabilize their backline during the second half of the season.

However, Manchester United’s hierarchy must move decisively if they intend to finalize an agreement, as two prominent European powerhouses, Juventus and Napoli, have already initiated preliminary discussions with the player’s representatives.

While financial constraints in Serie A may limit the ability of Italian suitors to match Manchester City’s permanent asking price outright, their early engagement underscores the fierce competition surrounding the sought-after defender.

https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/man-utd-transfer-target-force-move-january-personal-terms-not-issue