Manchester United are considering a bid for a new left back as they look to finally solve their issues in the position, according to a report.
The move, however, would see them re-sign a former player who left the club in only the summer, having initially joined in the youth academy but failing to feature for the first team.
21-year-old Alvaro Carreras joined United in September 2020 from Real Madrid, signing a foul-year deal and going onto enjoy loan spells at the likes of Preston and Benfica.
There was an option to buy clause in his loan move to Benfica, which the Portuguese side exercised and he moved there permanently in the summer for a reported fee of just over £5million.
According to Record, however, United could already be set to buy their former man back due to a clause inserted in his contract when he moved to Portugal.
Carreras has been a regular for Benfica this season, making nine appearances so far this term.
His current deal at Benfica is thought to expire in 2029, though United could sign him back for around £16.7million as they bid to finally solve their issues at left back.
The Red Devils have two left-sided full backs on their books, though Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both injured currently, with Diogo Dalot deputising.
Shaw is yet to play a game this season after barely playing in the Euros over the summer, while Malacia has been out for well over a year but is thought to be close to a return.
Noussair Mazraoui was also signed in the summer, but has been playing at right back.
Paul Gascoigne, meanwhile, has bizarrely called on Sir Alex Ferguson to return as Manchester United manager.
'I feel sorry for him (Ten Hag) a bit,' Gascoigne told SportsCasting UK. 'I'd love [Sir Alex] Ferguson to take over for one season and just see what he could do with those players because I think some of them take the p*** out of him (Ten Hag).
'You've got to give the man a bit of respect and it's such a massive club. I don’t think some of the players realise who they are playing for.'