PSV Dismiss Report of Manchester United Approach in Signing Santiago Arias

PSV Eindhoven's sporting director Marcel Brands has refuted recent reports suggesting that Manchester United have made an approach for their defender Santiago Arias.

The Mirror reported that the right-back has been a transfer target for David Moyes as he is looking to strengthen his squad in the summer. It is believed that Arias is valued at around £6m as United were keen on making an approach for his services.

Brands has revealed that the Red Devils have not made contact with the Dutch club. However, PSV's sporting director admitted they are aware of growing interest from several clubs in signing Aria.

"We don't know anything about any interest [from Manchester United]. No team has made a formal approach for Santiago," Goal.com quoted Brands as saying.

"But we do know that Arias is an interesting player for a number of teams. He is an attacking full-back and a Colombia international who will play at the World Cup for one of the top six countries."

United currently have the services of Rafael da Silva as the first choice right-back in the squad. While the Brazilian was sidelined due to injury, the former Everton manager has deployed central defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as a make shift full-back.

In addition to this, Moyes has also allowed Antonio Valencia to start from the right-back position on a few occasions.

Meanwhile, United midfielder Michael Carrick has expressed his disappointment after his side were knocked out of the Champions League by holders Bayern Munich. Moyes' side crashed out of the competition after losing the two-legged tie 4-2 on aggregate.

The Red Devils managed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, before losing the return leg 3-1 despite taking a lead from Patrice Evra's strike.

"We're bitterly disappointed to go out. We put ourselves in a great position, getting the first goal, and then it was only 20-odd seconds before we conceded. That was a big blow for us," Carrick explained.

With United's European dream ending after their defeat to Bayern, it looks unlikely that Moyes could take his side to the Champions League next season. They sit seventh in the league table with 57 points from 33 games.