Manchester United will NOT face any competition from Chelsea for Juventus full-back Alex Sandro

MANCHESTER UNITED have been given a free run to sign Alex Sandro after Chelsea pulled out of the race for the Juventus star.

United have been tracking the £53million-rated full-back all season as Jose Mourinho looks to continue overhauling his squad at Old Trafford.

But they had faced strong competition in the chase for the Brazilian left-back from Chelsea who had also been keen to sign him.

Now reports in Italy claim Blues boss Antonio Conte has decided he no longer wants to sign Sandro despite Juve appearing more willing than ever to sell.

Conte had made several attempts to add the 26-year-old to his squad last summer, but the Serie A club refused to sell.

Now that position has eased, but calciomercato.com say the Italian has now shifted his focus elsewhere in the search for more defensive cover.

The consistent form of Marcos Alonso on the left for Chelsea may have persuaded him there was no need to make such a big investment on a full-back.

And that leaves United clear to push through their interest by agreeing a deal with Juve.

BARK IN ACTION Ross Barkley pictured training with Chelsea for the first time after £15 move

The decision now for Mourinho is whether he wants to commit £53m on a left-back as he tries to bridge the gap in quality between his squad and Manchester City.

His desire to bring in a left-back has been long standing, having converted Ashley Young to that position this season.

Matteo Darmian has fallen out of favour and Mourinho believes Daley Blind does not possess the speed to play in that position.

And until recently it appeared the other option, Luke Shaw, was a player he also didn't fancy amid concerns over his fitness levels.

Shaw had been destined to leave Old Trafford this month after struggling to convince Mourinho he was good enough for United.

But over the past few weeks the England star has finally been given a chance to play and has responded with a series of impressive performances.

That has given Mourinho food for thought, and it may mean the need to make a move in January has eased.

Instead he may be tempted to wait until the end of the season to see if Shaw can continue to show improvement and prove himself good enough to be the long-term option in his plans.

Sandro is understood to have told Juve he would like the chance to play in the Premier League, although the summer may be a better time to move.

And that could suit United better, as Mourinho decides whether Sandro or Tottenham's Danny Rose would be his best choice.