Man United to signing top La Liga defender would be ‘no-brainer’
Steve Nicol believes Jordi Alba would be a great Manchester United signing
Steve Nicol has urged Manchester United to complete a deal to sign Jordi Alba from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are looking to secure reinforcements to their squad this summer as Jose Mourinho prepares for a return to the Champions League next season.
England international Luke Shaw struggled to make the left-back spot his own last season under the Portuguese coach due to problems with his fitness and form.
Mourinho criticised the 21-year-old defender on a number of occasions, prompting talk of Shaw leaving the 20-time English champions this summer.
The Manchester United boss used Italy international Matteo Darmian in a left-back role throughout most of the 2016-17 Premier League season.
However, in recent days, Manchester United have been linked with a move to sign Barcelona defender Alba in what would be a major transfer coup.
Former Liverpool star Nicol backed the Red Devils’ pursuit of the highly-rated 28-year-old full-back.
“If there’s any chance of this happening, I would say yes (it’s a no-brainer). But I don’t see why Jordi Alba would leave Barcelona to go to Man United,” Nicol told ESPN FC.
“If it was all about the history of the club then yes, it’s a possibility. But the fact is right now, Barcelona are streets ahead of Manchester United.
“If you’re Jordi Alba, why are you leaving a team in Barcelona, let’s face it, who win regardless and have a real shot at winning the Champions League next season before a ball is kicked?
“I don’t see this happening, it would be a great signing, a no-brainer if United can make it happen, but it isn’t going to.”
Alba has scored one goal and has made five assists in 26 appearances in La Liga last term.
