Amorim has 'set his sights' on 'incredible' 23-year-old to succeed aging Reds - Liverpool also in the race

INEOS’ £200million-plus splurge over the summer means Ruben Amorim will likely have to wait until the end of the season to strengthen his squad as he sees fit.

Indeed, Manchester United fans are preparing for a quiet transfer window at Old Trafford – as has been the case for the last two seasons.

There are undoubtedly a few recruits sanctioned by Erik ten Hag at whom Amorim would have raised his eyebrows upon his arrival in the M16. For example, Joshua Zirkzee, who has been stagnant since scoring in his first outing in August, has looked something of a lost puppy when he enters the fray in recent matches.

Judging by the latest reports doing the rounds, United have already started to draw up their shortlist for the summer to best match Amorim’s newly established line-up. Attackers such as Christopher Nkunku and Matheus Cunha was selected as potential acquisitions to ease the burden on struggling duo Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, while in defense a long-term successor to Luke Shaw is being targeted.

Amorim eyes Rayan Ait-Nouri as long-term successor to Luke Shaw

Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri is a target for Man Utd. — (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The England international returned to action at the weekend to make his first club appearance since February, playing 34 minutes as United were held to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road. However, fans are now wiser than to expect Shaw to be available for the remainder of the season, and the expectation is now still that another injury is imminent.

So, Amorim, according to the Daily Starhas ‘set your sights’ on Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri – and it’s not the first time he’s been brought up in conversations with United.

Indeed, Aït-Nouri was on INEOS shortlist as summer window approaches more than eight months ago, but no agreement could be reached after they turned to another former Ten Hag protégé, Noussair Mazraoui.

The 23 year old, hailed as a ‘amazing’ talent of manager Gary O’Neilhas gone from strength to strength at Molineux and, amid a turbulent start to the West Midlands side’s term, he has racked up a modest three goals and two assists in the opening 12 matches.

Such a form also has caught the attention of transfer chiefs at Liverpoolas they are also scouring the market for a suitable replacement for the aging Andy Robertson.