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Manchester United are preparing to bring in a long-term successor for Luke Shaw during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The English full-back’s persistent injury concerns are well documented, and although he featured in every Premier League fixture last season, INEOS would be taking a major risk by relying solely on the 30-year-old for another demanding campaign.

United played only 40 matches in the previous season, with fixtures largely limited to one per week. That schedule will intensify significantly now that the Red Devils have regained their place in the Champions League.

With Tyrell Malacia set to leave and both Harry Amass and Diego Leon still developing, Michael Carrick recognises the danger of entering the new season with just one experienced left-back in the squad.

Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can all fill in if required, but Dorgu is viewed more as a winger at the moment, while Dalot and Mazraoui are naturally stronger on the right flank.

This situation has prompted the 20-time English league champions to explore the transfer market for reinforcements, with the club’s co-owners initially focusing on options with Premier League experience.

However, Newcastle United are unwilling to sanction a move for Lewis Hall away from St. James’ Park, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is similarly reluctant to part with Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Given the financial implications of those pursuits, it was no surprise that United broadened their search, identifying Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt as an appealing alternative.

The German defender enjoyed an outstanding season, netting four goals and providing six assists, and he is expected to play a key role for his national team at the upcoming World Cup.

Unsurprisingly, several major clubs were tracking the 22-year-old, with Bayern Munich reportedly leading the chase to secure his services.

As has often been the case in recent years, once the Bavarian giants set their sights on a Germany international, the player typically opts to join them ahead of other interested sides.

According to TEAMtalk, that pattern is repeating itself. Yet, the Bundesliga champions did not have an entirely smooth path on this occasion.

Michael Carrick’s project at Manchester United had made a strong impression on the former FC Nuremberg defender, who was genuinely interested in a move to Old Trafford.

However, Bayern acted swiftly and decisively to finalise a deal before United could advance their pursuit, leaving INEOS to continue their search for a new left-back.

“Manchester United have opted not to enter a bidding war for Eintracht Frankfurt star Nathaniel Brown, with Bayern Munich now on course to complete a deal for one of Europe’s most highly-rated young defenders,” TEAMtalk exclusively reported.

“The Red Devils have been on the lookout for a top-quality left-back who can both challenge and complement Luke Shaw, and Brown quickly became one of the leading candidates on their shortlist following his impressive progress in the Bundesliga.”

“However, sources have informed us that Manchester United have now accepted the likelihood of the Germany international remaining in his home country, as Bayern close in on an agreement. Negotiations between Bayern Munich and Frankfurt are said to be at an advanced stage, with a package worth more than €60million (£52m, $69m) currently under discussion.”

“We can also confirm that talks were held between Manchester United and Brown’s representatives in recent weeks, during which the player responded positively to the opportunity being presented at Old Trafford. Sources suggest that Brown was genuinely open to a Premier League move and viewed United’s ongoing rebuild under manager Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox in a favourable light.”

It remains to be seen how Manchester United will react to this setback and which defensive reinforcements they will target next.