Chelsea and United Target January Move for £25m-Rated Spanish Defender - Report

Chelsea and Manchester United are set for a January battle as the two Premier League giants are preparing a move for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno, according to the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old full back came through the ranks of the Spanish club's youth system and has been a regular inclusion in Sevilla's back four under Unai Emery this season. Moreno's form with the La Liga outfit has caught the eyes of top clubs across Europe.

Moreno's impressive performance for the club has seen him receive a call from Vicente del Bosque for Spain squad earlier in October. He was picked up for the World Cup qualifier against Georgia and made his debut for the national side during Spain's 2-0 win over Albacete.

The report claims Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is eyeing a replacement for the ageing Ashley Cole as the Portuguese tactician looks to strengthen the Blues' left-back position. The west London club sent their European scout Mick Doherty to watch Moreno in action in the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, United are also in search of the left-back as a future replacement for Patrice Evra, who is likely to leave Old Trafford after the end of the season. David Moyes was keen on bringing his former player Leighton Baines to his new club in the summer, but the deal did not take shape.

In addition to this, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has issued a warning to United after the former Wigan boss confirmed the Toffees are unwilling to let the England international leave in January.

United have Alexander Buttner as the second choice left-back at the club. However, the Dutchman has failed to impress Moyes and the former Everton manager is looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Evra.

The Scot has turned his attention to signing the Spanish international in January after United sent their scouts to watch Moreno in action for Sevilla.

A move from either Chelsea or United in January for Moreno could see him feature in the Champions League as both the Premier League champions and Europa League winners have progressed to the knock-out stages of Europe's elite club competition.

Chelsea and United are likely to face competition for Moreno's signature as nine-time European champions Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in signing the Spanish full-back. However, any move from interested clubs could see them spend heavily in January as the Spaniard has a £25m buyout clause.