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Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention to left-back Jorge Salinas and are now said to be ready to meet the asking price after completing their sixth signing of the summer.

On Thursday evening, Manchester United confirmed the arrival of Cristian Orozco, making him the club’s sixth addition of the transfer window after Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow, Youri Tielemans, Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson.

However, the Red Devils are still not done in the market, with widespread reports suggesting they could yet bring in another midfielder, while a left-back, winger and/or striker may also arrive over the coming weeks.

A new left-back is increasingly becoming a priority for Manchester United, who need reliable cover for Luke Shaw because of his poor injury record.

United have been tracking Newcastle United star Lewis Hall, but Fabrizio Romano has admitted it will be difficult for Michael Carrick’s side to get that deal done.

Romano said: “Manchester United are looking to strengthen at left-back and that could be one of their next priorities.

“At the moment, Lewis Hall is considered too expensive and Newcastle have absolutely no intention of selling him.

“Newcastle have already lost several important figures this summer. Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham, Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona, Bruno Guimaraes is joining Arsenal and they’ve also lost manager Eddie Howe.

“Because of that, Newcastle are determined to keep Lewis Hall. Only an extraordinary offer could change their position, so we’ll continue to monitor the situation over the coming days.”

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has also been mentioned as an alternative, but Manchester United are now being linked with Racing Santander defender Salinas as well.

The 19-year-old Salinas, who is also capable of playing at centre-back, caught the eye for Racing last season as they won promotion from La Liga 2, contributing seven assists in the campaign.

Earlier this week, a report said Carrick had ‘approved’ a move for Salinas, and Spanish outlet Sport now claims Manchester United are ‘willing to meet the price’ required to sign him.

Barcelona reportedly had until June 30 to sign Salinas for eight million euros, but chose not to proceed because they believe they already have enough cover at left-back.

That has left Manchester United and Atletico Madrid as the leading clubs in the race for Salinas, whose release clause has now risen to 16 million euros.

The report adds that both Manchester United and Atletico would be prepared to pay that amount for Salinas, while Racing sporting director Chema Aragón has made it clear any interested club will have to activate the clause because he will not be sold for less.

“He has a contract with us, as you know. So, if they don’t bring the release clause, you know what will happen,” he said.

“We value the assets we have. We consider them important. For the club, at this time, there is no other option than to try to strengthen the team and not weaken it by losing stars. The reality is that the club that wants him has to come with an offer.

“Hopefully he’ll stay. That would be our dream. We’re going to try everything we can to make it happen, just like we did with Gustavo Puerta at Christmas, to do it with both of them. But it’s also true that if significant offers come in, it will be more complicated.”