Manchester United close to signing Rayan Aït-Nouri in January

Manchester United's chances of signing Algerian Rayan Aït-Nouri, a Manchester City player, have increased ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window, as the left-back is seeking a greater opportunity for playing time.

TEAMtalk reported that Rayan Aït-Nouri and his representatives are making significant efforts to secure his departure in January, after his role at Manchester City has diminished. He was signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for around £31 million in the summer of 2025.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Manchester United are keen to sign the player, with personal terms not posing a hurdle, while the relationship between the two clubs remains the biggest challenge to completing the deal.

Nabil Djelit has indicated that Rayan Aït-Nouri's departure during the winter is the most likely option, unless there is a significant change in his situation with Manchester City.

Manchester United are considering the Algerian player as an option to strengthen the left-back position, alongside Alejandro Balde from FC Barcelona, with Rayan Aït-Nouri potentially being the cheaper option.