Man United are keeping tabs on Girona's star left-back Miguel Gutierrez as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his squad following the departure of Sergio Reguilon… but the Red Devils could face opposition from rivals City

Manchester United are closely monitoring Girona star left-back Miguel Gutierrez as they plan a January recruitment, according to reports.

With Sergio Reguilon's return to Tottenham cutting short his half-season spell at Manchester, Erik ten Hag's side are keen to put players in position to provide cover in a squad that has been depleted by injuries for much of the season .

United have had a turbulent campaign so far, finishing eighth in the Premier League and finishing at the back of the Champions League group without European football.

The Dutch manager is also keen to strengthen his squad with extra attacking firepower, and Gutierrez's positivity is also seen as a new draw for Manchester.

The Real Madrid academy star has had a stellar season with in-form Girona, who are only behind Los Blancos at the top of the table on goal difference.

The 22-year-old joined the club ahead of the 2022-2023 season, as has become a regular feature

Girona is having a red-hot season and sits alone in second place in LaLiga on goal difference behind Gutierrez's former club, Real Madrid

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From the sunMan United have been present for a number of Gutierrez's appearances with the Spanish side and recently scouted him during their 4-3 win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The Red Devils are said to have been impressed with his football intelligence and ability to pose an attacking threat as one of the standout full-backs of the Spanish season so far.

Mail Sport previously reported that crosstown rivals Manchester City were also monitoring the 22-year-old, who has been a regular in Michel Sánchez's starting XI this season.

In his 20 appearances for the club, Gutierrez has one goal and a further three assists to his name, and played a key role in ensuring his club secured an early win against the Spanish giants.

However, should Man United want to take on their derby rivals, negotiations could be trickier as Girona and Man City share the same City Group ownership.

Gutierrez is believed to carry a price tag of £22million, which could make him a bargain if he were to get regular minutes at Old Trafford, but Ten Hag's side could also face difficulties in signing him of the former club Real Madrid, which still owns 50 percent. of its rights and has a resale clause.

This could mean he could be bought back if Carlo Ancelotti's side match United's offer and sell for a higher price, or he could be called up to the Champions League giants' team again.

Should Man United make any moves during the transfer window, they could consult with new interested party Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Although the INEOS billionaire's purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club for £1.3 billion has not yet been approved by the Premier League, Ratcliffe will spend the interim weeks reviewing all aspects of the club's football operations .

Ten Hag said he met Ratcliffe during his first visit to the training ground on Thursday and had 'positive' discussions with the new owner and his sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.

“We had a long meeting, we sat together for so many hours,” said Ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag will be keen to strengthen his depleted squad during the January transfer window

Sir Jim Ratcliffe visited Man United this week and held discussions with Ten Hag and sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford

'We were on the same page on many issues, it was very positive on both sides. I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we look forward to working together.

“They gave me some (ideas of their plans). We've had our debates about strategies and I think we'll come together.”

Just days after the opening of the transfer window on New Year's Day, Man United are said to have secured a loan move for out-of-favour winger Jadon Sancho.

The player – who has been frozen out at Carrington since a public row with Ten Hag in September – is preparing to return to his former club Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the season.