Manchester United have advanced their pursuit of Brazil international Alex Sandro, one of a number of Champions League-ready recruits targeted by Jose Mourinho this summer. The left back has pushed Juventus to sanction the transfer, with senior figures at the Serie A champions expecting the deal to be finalised once the two clubs’ seasons are complete.

Juve value Alex Sandro at more than £50m and want to secure a fee on a par with the record sum Manchester City paid AS Monaco for Benjamin Mendy last year. Mourinho – who also intends to reinforce the centre and right side of his defence – has emphasised the importance of upgrading United’s squad if the club wants to take the Premier League title back from City next