Barcelona pull out of race for Man Utd, Liverpool midfield target

Barcelona have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Manchester United and Liverpool target Leon Goretzka in 2018.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a number of Europe’s top clubs and is expected to see out the final year of his Schalke contract, which would make him available on a free transfer next summer.

However, it would appear that Barcelona will not be the midfielder’s next destination after the club’s International director of Sport, Ariedo Braida, claimed they are not in the running for Goretzka.

“He is certainly a great player, but for Barcelona it is too soon.” Braida said.

“I travel around the world in search of great talent, but our demands are extremely high.”

Barcelona’s decision to end their pursuit of the Schalke star seemingly opens the door for United and Liverpool, but Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich remain the favourites to land Goretzka.

According to Sky Sport, Bayern have almost reached an agreement with the talented midfielder over a free summer move to the Allianz Arena.