Barcelona playmaker linked with shock Man Utd switch

Rob McCarthy

Barcelona attacking midfielder Arda Turan is reportedly close to making a shock switch to Manchester United.

The Turkey international, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal all summer, is surplus to requirements at Barca after the arrival of new manager Ernesto Valverde.

Reports from Spain suggest that the player’s agent, Ahmet Bulut, will use his strong relationship with Jose Mourinho’s representative, Jorge Mendes, to try and secure a switch to Old Trafford for his client.

Spanish journal AS also claims that Mourinho has met with the player on several occasions and is a big fan, sparking talk that the 30-year-old could be be bound for the Premier Leaguem after all.

United had been tipped to bring in Turan’s Barca team-mate Sergi Roberto, particularly after the Catalan giants completed a deal for former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, but it would now appear that they have completely switched targets and opted for the more offensive player of the two.