Manchester United and Chelsea Target Porto Left-Back Alex Sandro - Report

Manchester United and Chelsea are set for a summer battle in signing FC Porto defender Alex Sandro, according to the Mirror.

The report claims the 23-year-old has been a priority transfer target for David Moyes as he looks to bring in a replacement for Patrice Evra in the upcoming transfer window. The French international's contract at the club runs down at the end of the season and he is yet to sign a contract extension.

Earlier in March, Evra refused to speak about his future at Old Trafford beyond this campaign. The left-back's agent Federico Pastorello has admitted that a move to Serie A could be a possibility if he decides to leave United this summer.

Going by Evra and his representative's latest comments, Moyes would be looking to sign a left-back to replace the Frenchman in the squad for the next season. The former Everton boss has set his sights on Sandro as a replacement for the United star.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils could face tough competition from their league rivals Chelsea. Jose Mourinho is also believed to be interested in signing the Porto defender as he looks to strengthen his back four for the next campaign.

The Blues currently have the services of Ashley Cole at the left-back position in the squad. However, the former Real Madrid manager has deployed Cesar Azpilicueta in that position while the England international has dropped to the bench.

Chelsea will be entering the market to sign a left-back in the upcoming transfer window. The Blues are keen on signing Southampton star Luke Shaw as Cole's replacement, while Moyes is also reportedly interested in signing the £27m-rated left-back.

Shaw has, however, revealed that he is not giving too much importance to the rumours linking him with a move away from his current employers as he remains fully focused on Southampton.

With Shaw committing his future to Southampton, United and Chelsea are targeting a move for Sandro. Porto's left-back is a cheaper option when compared to the Saints' star as the Brazil international will be available for around £15m in the summer.