Davies’ costly wage demands force Utd to turn attention to PL fullback who Guardiola thinks is ‘really talented’

After numerous outlets confirmed Manchester United’s surprise interest in Alphonso Davies, they’ve now reportedly conceded that they’re likely to be priced out of a deal. 

Despite the world-class fullback being available for nothing when his Bayern Munich contract expires in 2025, it’s his wage demands that are proving too costly for United to seriously consider taking him on board.

CaughtOffside claims Davies is expecting around €12 million a year if he were to depart the Allianz next summer. Real Madrid are thought to be his most likely suitors, having established their interest well over a year ago, although it remains to be seen if they would be deterred by his requests.

As such, United remain scouring the market for candidates to occupy the left-hand side of their backline. Luke Shaw, while only 29 years old, is far too unreliable to depend upon throughout the course of a campaign. His last appearance at club level came in February and he has just suffered a further setback from the calf injury that’s kept him out of the start of 2024/2025.

Reds to revive interest in outcast Ben Chilwell

His compatriot, Ben Chilwell, has been linked with the Reds on numerous occasions – much to fans’ dismay.

The Chelsea star, whom Pep Guardiola once hailed as a ‘really talented player’, has been deemed a more ‘realistic and affordable option’ to pursue instead of Davies, which is remarkable given that his injury record is just as woeful as Shaw’s.

Chilwell, 27, is contracted to Chelsea until 2027. However, he has been almost entirely exiled from first-team action since Enzo Maresca took the reins in June and, as a result, has been limited to only one appearance since the term began: a 45-minute cameo off the bench against Barrow in the third round of the Carabao Cup. In last night’s last-16 tie vs Newcastle United, he was an unused substitute.

He has been omitted from each of Maresca’s matchday squads for the side’s opening nine Premier League fixtures and their first two Conference League group-stage matches.