Man United set to battle Man City in the race for Premier League defender

Malo Gusto Transfer Latest as Manchester United and Manchester City Track Chelsea Defender Manchester United and Manchester City are both monitoring Malo Gusto, withtalkSPORTreporting growing interest in the Chelsea right-back as his place at Stamford Bridge comes under increasing pressure. Gusto, valued by Chelsea at £75million, has seen his standing shift sharply under Xabi Alonso.

Once a regular presence, the 23-year-old has not started a Premier League match since September 12 and has lost ground in the pecking order, with Josh Acheampong preferred at right-back even during Reece James' absence. Malo Gusto on Manchester clubs radar There is no certainty yet that either Manchester club will move formally in the January window, but the interest is real.

Manchester City had already been linked in the summer, when there was thought to be an appetite for a reunion between Gusto and Enzo Maresca. Any move from City, though, sits against a difficult backdrop.

The club are still waiting on the outcome of their appeal following the Premier League's guilty verdict on 114 charges relating to financial rule breaches. With sanctions still unresolved, any significant recruitment drive could prove more complicated, especially at a valuation of £75million.

United's position is also worth watching closely. Old Trafford is heading towards another major reset, with a deal agreed in principle for USA boss Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick.

That uncertainty can often slow decision-making, though it can also sharpen focus on profiles seen as market opportunities. Chelsea role raises January questions Gusto joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023 for around £26m and has gone on to make 144 appearances, scoring three goals.

Those numbers point to trust over time, yet the picture this season has changed. He has started only three of seven Premier League appearances and, despite featuring in all three Carabao Cup ties, his opportunities in the league have dried up.

Chelsea's fourth-round exit to Liverpool on penalties appears to have deepened the scrutiny. His display at Anfield drew a strong reaction inside the ground and across the wider conversation afterwards.

Adrian Durham said: "There were cheers from the Chelsea fans at Anfield when he was taken off. One Chelsea fan messaged me saying I don't want to see him in a Chelsea shirt again."