Man Utd blow three Premier League rivals away to emerge as ‘favourites’ in chase for dynamite La Liga star
Manchester United are the frontrunners to sign an explosive La Liga player after moving way ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United in the hunt for him, according to a report.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is keeping close tabs on several La Liga stars. He knows Spanish clubs are struggling financially when compared to their English counterparts and this could result in some big names swapping La Liga for the Premier League.
Ten Hag wants to improve his midfield options by finding a top-class partner for Casemiro. The Red Devils have been credited with an interest in Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga as one potential solution. However, Man Utd would have to shatter their £89million transfer record to land him, and this seems unlikely.
Man Utd have also been tipped to go back in for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. But he remains happy at the Nou Camp and will therefore reject a Ten Hag reunion for a second time this summer.
In addition to improving the midfield, Ten Hag is also hoping to bolster his forward options. And this is where De Jong’s Barca team-mate Ansu Fati comes in.
Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been named as potential next destinations for Fati, should the winger opt to leave Barca.
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Last week, reports in Spain revealed how the attacker’s valuation had fallen from €100m in 2020 to €35m (£31m) now. That is because of Fati missing a majority of the last two seasons through injury.
Nevertheless, on his day Fati remains an explosive and deadly forward who can easily get past opponents and score goals. This is why the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal are eyeing him as a potential bargain transfer opportunity.
Ansu Fati father discusses Barcelona problems
Fati’s father, Bori, recently took part in a bombshell interview in which he admitted he is ‘angry’ about the 20-year-old not playing enough, even though he is now back to full fitness.
Bori Fati also suggested that his son might move to Barca’s La Liga rivals Sevilla. But according to Spanish newspaper Sport, Man Utd are the best-placed club to sign Fati.
They have brushed Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle aside to put themselves in pole position to complete a deal for him. There is no mention of Liverpool, who have previously been backed to submit an offer.
The report does not reveal why Man Utd are now the frontrunners to sign Fati. Perhaps the player has been impressed by the good work Ten Hag has done at Old Trafford during his first season as manager.
The Spain international may also see an opportunity to get into the Man Utd starting eleven if Marcus Rashford pulls off a shock and leaves. It has recently been claimed Rashford is ‘stalling’ on a new Man Utd contract until he finds out what is going to happen with the prospective takeover. Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs on Rashford’s situation.
Fati would love to replace Rashford at Man Utd if the in-form Englishman did depart. Fati’s favourite position is left wing, which is where Rashford operates.
It will be intriguing to see what happens to Fati come the summer. There are conflicting messages coming out of Barca, with some claiming the Spanish giants want to keep him and others suggesting they want him sold.
Man Utd will certainly one of the main clubs to watch out for if Fati does become available for transfer.
