Manchester United have reportedly signalled their interest in four Barcelona stars, with the Spanish club’s crisis leading to all but five first-team stars being put up for sale.
Barcelona have hit breaking point after their 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Friday. The humiliation marked the third time in three seasons that the club have collapsed in the competition.
Coupled with a lacklustre showing in LaLiga, Barcelona’s board have called an urgent meeting this week. As part of the talks, the Catalan side are likely to sack head coach Quique Setien.
However, Sport claims that is not the only major decision Barcelona will reach in the board meeting. The Spanish publication claims a firesale is on the cards at Camp Nou in the coming months.
Several reports have indicated that could be the case, given Barca have the highest wage bill in Europe and, as such, need to save money. However, Sport claims those plans are now concrete.
Barca have only guaranteed the futures of Lionel Messi, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Frenke de Jong, Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig. Every other player will be up for sale and there could be “many casualties”.
Barca are likely to discuss a new contract with goalkeeper Ter Stegen, while Puig stepped up from Barcelona B in July.
Another problem for Barca is that the average age of their starting lineup is close to 30. A rebuild will likely be on the cards for whoever takes the head coach job after Setien, with Ronald Koeman linked.
As for United, Sport cites the Manchester Evening News in saying the Red Devils are keen on four up-for-sale players.
They are Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele.
MAN UTD KEEN ON QUARTET?
Speculation in recent months has linked French defender Umtiti with a move away. The World Cup winner has struggled with injuries since his arrival at Camp Nou.
Rakitic and Vidal, meanwhile, have also been mentioned as targets in the past.
However, further reports claim Dembele is a top United alternative if a move for Jadon Sancho fails. United remain locked in talks about Sancho, but Borussia Dortmund are not budging on their £108million valuation.
As such, Dembele could leave Barca after three seasons following his move from Dortmund.
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