Manchester United have reportedly joined Real Madrid in the race to sign left-back Theo Hernandez, who faces a “difficult” situation at AC Milan.

The 27-year-old French international has been left out of the Rossoneri’s starting XI in their last two matches and the clubs are preparing to replace him in the January window.

Hernandez’s current contract with AC Milan expires in 2026. There have been discussions about an extension, but negotiations are currently at a standstill.

According to MilanLive, Man Utd are keeping tabs on Hernandez and are ‘ready to attack’ for his signature, as Ruben Amorim looks to provide cover for injury-plagued duo Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

The chances of Hernandez leaving Milan in January are described as ‘very high’. Meanwhile, another Italian outlet, Gazzetta du Sport, Hernández’s relationship with Milan boss Paulo Fonseca is ‘full of tension’.

The coach is reportedly unhappy with the left-back’s commitment to training and has made an example of him in front of his teammates.

The situation could lead to ‘big clubs’ attempting to ‘take advantage’ of the situation in January and Man Utd and Hernandez’s former club Real Madrid are considering doing so this winter.

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Real Madrid also interested in AC Milan full-back – sources

TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti exclusively revealed on Monday that Real Madrid are seriously considering a January move for former player Hernandez.

We understand that Milan have offered Hernandez a salary of around €5m (£4.1m/$5.2m) per season to extend his contract and that this is not considered enough from the left rear.

This is why Madrid believe there could be a possibility of bringing the France international back to the Bernabeu in January and discussions with his agents are ongoing.

Milan have yet to make a final decision on Hernandez’s future, but if they don’t extend his contract beyond 2026, January or next summer will be their last chance to secure a decent remuneration for its services.

Man Utd could therefore face competition from Madrid if they decide to make a move for Hernandez in January.

He is not the only player on the Red Devils’ shortlist of left-backs who is also being monitored by Madrid. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, at the end of his contract next summer, is also being considered by the Amorim team.

Man Utd are set to open pre-contract negotiations with Davies in January ahead of a possible free transfer at the end of the season, but reports suggest Liverpool could also make a move in his favor.

Man Utd review: Osimhen’s ‘candidacy’ prepared / Duo transfer listed

Meanwhile, shock reports suggest that Man Utd are considering triggering Victor Osimhen’s €75m (£62.1m/$78m) release clause.

The Nigerian striker was left out of the Napoli squad after attempting to force a move to Chelsea last summer, before subsequently being loaned to Galatasaray.

The loan includes a termination clause which would see him join another club permanently in January and reports claim Man Utd are keen to sign him in a blockbuster transfer.

Furthermore, the reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano affirmed that Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof were made available for a transfer in January.

They’ve struggled to maintain consistent minutes this season and Lindelof is coming off another injury that could sideline him for a while.

Lindelof, 30, and Eriksen, 32, are both in the final year of their contracts. As such, the upcoming winter window represents the last chance for the Red Devils to cash in and collect a fee.

However, the fee generated from selling either player will be minimal, and their potential suitors could opt to wait until the end of the season to land them on a free transfer.

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