According to The Sun, Manchester United have joined the race to sign Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand at the end of the season.

What's the story?

Southampton are currently battling to stay in the Premier League, and the Saints will look to record their first home league victory since the end of November when they welcome the English champions Chelsea to St Mary's this weekend.

Southampton have had their problems this season, but there is no question that their squad is full of talent, and many will not be short of interest this summer.

According to The Sun, Bertrand has decided to leave Southampton in this summer's transfer window regardless of whether the club remain in the Premier League.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest, but the report claims that United are in the £25m scramble for the England international's services.

Manchester City were also strongly linked with the full-back last summer, and it might well turn into a Premier League battle for Bertrand's signature at the end of the season.

Would Bertrand fit in at United?

Much depends on whether Luke Shaw leaves Old Trafford. The defender continues to be linked with a move away, and it is seems increasingly likely that he will be departing the 20-time English champions in this summer's transfer window.

Ashley Young has been excellent for United this term, but he cannot play every week, and there is no question that the Red Devils need some back-up in that position.

According to transfermarkt.co.uk, Bertrand is valued at £18m, but Southampton want another £7m on top of that before they will consider selling.

At 28, Bertrand has a wealth of Premier League experience, and might well see him as better value for money than Tottenham's Danny Rose, who has struggled for football this term.

Some of Bertrand's performances have been a bit hit and miss this season, but he is a very good player at Premier League level, and would be the perfect understudy to Young at Old Trafford.