Report: Alex Sandro Linked to Manchester United as Juventus Contract Talks Fail

Alex Sandro has reportedly failed to agree new terms with Juventus, opening the door for a potential transfer to Manchester United.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro's Coral Barry) reported the highly rated full-back is in a dispute over the details of a fresh contract with the Italian champions. United have been consistently linked with a move for the Brazilian in the past and could be set to reignite their interest.

Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho has long had issues with his squad in defensive positions, and he failed to sign a number of his targets last summer.

Sandro's future has been the subject of much speculation over the past two seasons, but he could finally depart Turin if he opts against penning a new deal.

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Matt Law of the Telegraph reported Chelsea also wanted the flying defender last January but couldn't agree a fee with his club.

Per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sandro and Juve are oceans apart in contract negotiations, with the player demanding £4.3 million a year to stay. The Old Lady have only offered £2.6 million a year, causing a stalemate in discussions.

The star's existing deal runs until 2020, leaving time for the two parties to come together again in future.

The 27-year-old is considered one of the most progressive full-backs in the game, and he has the ability to feature higher up the pitch in midfield.

Mourinho previously froze out left-back Luke Shaw from the first-team picture, but the England international has produced impressive form in the current campaign.

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The Red Devils have recognised Shaw's endeavours with a new contract, potentially negating any need to pursue Sandro.

United confirmed on Thursday that Shaw's deal will keep him at Old Trafford until 2023, with an optional additional year.

Mourinho said the defender deserved the new deal after rising to the challenge of fighting for his starting spot:

"Luke fully deserves this contract. He understood his development process, he has worked really hard at every level and he always believes in himself, which is a great attribute to have.

"Luke is still young and is improving all the time and he must feel very proud of himself. I am delighted that we are keeping such a talented young English player with a bright future ahead of him."

Shaw said he's happy to stay with the club, per United's official Twitter account:

Shaw's situation is intrinsically linked with a possible swoop for Sandro, and it is unlikely United will part with a huge transfer fee after committing financially to the former Southampton prodigy.

Sandro remains important to Juve's style and philosophy, with the club fighting for an eighth consecutive Serie A title and seeking to win the UEFA Champions League. 

Shaw deserves his accolades after an excellent period, but Mourinho has previously lost patience quickly with other talents.

If consistency isn't present in Shaw until the end of the season, the Portuguese will once again be scouring the market for a player with Sandro's attributes.