Man Utd move for Alex Telles is 'increasingly difficult' as Porto 'demand £18m'

Manchester United's hopes of signing Alex Telles before Monday's transfer deadline are fading.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to bolster his side's options at left-back, with Porto defender Telles identified as his primary target.

However, according to O Jogo, United are finding it increasingly difficult to convince Porto, who value Telles at £18million, to sell the Brazil international.

In addition, given the proximity of the transfer deadline, there would be limited time for Porto to bring in a replacement if they were to sell Telles.

The 27-year-old is set to start for Porto against Maritimo on Saturday, meaning United have just Sunday and Monday to secure a deal.

Porto manager Sergio Conceicao views Telles as one of Porto's most important players and is reluctant to let him leave.

Unless they are able to bring in an alternative to Telles, it appears that United will have to rely upon Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams as their left-back options for the first half of the campaign at least.

It has been a rather quiet transfer window for United so far, with Donny van de Beek their only major signing.