Rumour: Manchester United and Chelsea battle for Brazilian defender Alex Sandro

Manchester and Chelsea are battling with each other for Porto full-back Alex Sandro.

Sandro, 23, has emerged as David Moyes first choice to replace Patrice Evra, whose contract expires at Old Trafford this summer.

However, according to talkSPORT, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is also preparing to make a move for the former Santos man.

Mourinho has mainly used right-back Cesar Azpilicueta out of position on the left this season, which has resulted in a spell on the bench for Ashley Cole throughout the majority of the campaign.

While Luke Shaw has been rumoured as a potential summer signing, Sandro represents a cheaper alternative for the Blues as he will cost somewhere in the region of £15 million, whereas Shaw would cost at least £20m.

Sandro has starred since his arrival in Portugal in 2011, having won two league titles at Porto, and now looks set to join a long list of former players who signed for a small fee, improved and earned a huge deal to a top club.

Also, the six-cap Brazilian international could be an outside bet for Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer, depending on the fitness of Real Madrid’s Marcelo who has torn his hamstring.

Sandro completed 28 take-ons in six Champions League games this season.