Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Hector Bellerin

Manchester United are targeting Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, as the Red Devils attempt to revamp their full-back options next term.

The Manchester Evening News (h/t Jack Otway of the Daily Express) reported United manager Jose Mourinho is keen to bring the Spaniard to Old Trafford, as Bellerin "considers his future" with the Gunners. Antonio Valencia has claimed a regular spot at right-back over the past two years, but at 32, the former winger lacks youth and finesse.

According to the MEN, United have already taken the opening steps of communication with the player's representatives, and they are ready to once again raid Arsenal's squad after the recent purchase of Alexis Sanchez.

Mourinho's team have been weak at full-back, and a lack of wingers has squeezed the service available to Romelu Lukaku as striker.

Ashley Young has developed into a player who can offer service at full-back, but the England international cannot be considered a true solution to United's deficiencies.

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Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reported Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is prepared to sell the player for £50 million, placing him in the price bracket of recent full-back acquisitions by Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Bellerin's agent Albert Botines recently said his client was satisfied with life in London but hinted he personally would listen if interest developed from Italy.

Speaking to Radio CRC (h/t James Benge at the Evening Standard), Botines said:

"There's no contact for Bellerin, no-one has sought me out.

"He's happy, he's recently renewed and he's playing consistently. It's true that every player always wants to grow, but right now it's difficult [to see him leaving].

"If the Azzurri were interested in some of my clients I would listen, because—just like Juventus—Napoli are not only a great team in Italy but also now in Europe."

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City's success this season has been driven from the full-back positions, allowing more space for the midfield to open up opponents.

United have been short of this type of drive, and Valencia and Young lack the progression to get behind a back four.

Bellerin burst on to the scene for the Gunners in 2014-15, and he quickly developed into one of the Premier League's most exciting full-backs.

The player is not the finished article, but as Arsenal stall outside the top four, his drive to succeed elsewhere could rapidly increase.