Manchester United have made an offer of €40m for Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto in the hope of triggering his release clause, say reports in Spain.
El Mundo Deportivo report the Red Devils have moved for the 25-year-old after public interest from rivals Chelsea and Manchester City.
The paper had previously reported the youth graduate of La Masia’s release clause is €40m – although this has not been confirmed – while Barca have no desire to negotiate.
Roberto made 40 appearances for the Blaugrana last season but despite being primarily a deep-lying midfielder, he was deployed as right-back last season after the club did not replace Dani Alves.
However, the arrival of Benfica’s Nelson Semedo has put Roberto’s first-team place under direct threat and could give suitors hope over the player’s potential desire to move.
Following on from this report, it has emerged United’s young full-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah is undergoing a loan deal to Crystal Palace, further fuelling speculation.
