Barcelona storm in for baffling loan capture of Man Utd forward who Ten Hag can’t keep on pitch

A Manchester United attacker who has been generating a lot of interest has just landed potentially his best proposal yet after becoming a Barcelona target, according to a report.

Man Utd have been slightly tweaking their attack during the January transfer window. For example, Wout Weghorst arrived on loan from Burnley to give Erik ten Hag a target man to work with.

Some of the lesser experienced members of his squad have been contemplating their futures. As things stand, Shola Shoretire is the only attacker to have left in January, on loan for Bolton Wanderers.

But on deadline day, there have been claims that Anthony Elanga or Facundo Pellistri could also be allowed to leave on loan if the right opportunity arises.

Elanga has already been attracting several clubs, with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing there were 10 proposals on the table. There has been some doubt, though, as to whether Ten Hag will let him go.

But now, Man Utd might have a decision to make. According to ESPN, Barcelona are stunningly eyeing a loan move for Elanga before the transfer window shuts.

The La Liga giants recently let ex-Man Utd forward Memphis Depay leave for Atletico Madrid. Furthermore, they are currently without Ousmane Dembele due to injury.

Therefore, they are wondering if they should bring in a new forward. La Liga has given them the go ahead to register new players since they are still, narrowly, within their salary limit.

Consequently, Barcelona are aiming to loan in either a forward to replace Depay or a midfielder to add cover for Sergio Busquets.

If it is their attack that they choose to replenish, Elanga appears to be the man they will be going for. The other contenders to sign him, the report reminds, have included Everton, Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven.

Barcelona move would be stunning for Elanga but Man Utd must ask key question

Hence, joining Barcelona would be a mind-blowing move for the Swedish striker. After all, Ten Hag is yet to allow him to complete 90 minutes in any of his 20 appearances so far this season.

Furthermore, Elanga has not scored at all, only providing two assists, since Ten Hag took charge.

However, there is a player with potential somewhere in there. Capable of playing anywhere across the attack, Elanga has margin for development at the age of 20.

Man Utd have only wanted to send him out to somewhere that can aid his progress. With that in mind, they have been cautious about any offers from clubs in relegation battles.

Barcelona would give him quite the alternative. They are five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table after 18 games this season.

Whether Elanga would play regularly enough might be the biggest concern here. On the left wing, which is Elanga’s most common role, Barcelona already have Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.

Elsewhere in their attack, they have Robert Lewandowski centrally and Dembele and Raphinha on the right. Coincidentally, there has been some speculation about Man Utd making a move for the latter themselves.