Manchester United Bid For Spanish International Rejected
REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Jose Mourinho’s adamant hunt for a fourth summer signing continues, as the Manchester United manager has reportedly set his sights upon Barcelona starlet Sergi Roberto.
The development has emerged after Monaco denied the English club an opportunity to sign Fabinho.
However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that a £36 million opening bid from the Red Devils has been rejected, indicating that the Spanish giants have no intention to part ways with the midfielder turned wing-back.
The 25-year old Spaniard’s moment of fame arrived last season, when he netted the late goal in Barcelona’s encounter with PSG in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The wonder-moment ensured that the Spanish club progressed to the next round on aggregate, after having pulled off a phenomenal comeback.
Related News:
While the youth academy graduate will be eager to continue his days with the Catalan giants, the decision might not work entirely in his favor. With Barcelona eager to sign new midfielders to plot a strategic response to the departure of Neymar, Roberto might find himself losing his first team spot.
While United hope to sign the player for his abilities as a wing-back, they will also be interested in tapping into his versatility as a central midfielder.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are also reported to be interested in securing the services of the youngster, as he could be the ideal replacement for Nemanja Matic as a holding midfielder. The latter departed from the reigning English champions, as he headed towards Old Trafford.
A move to England would allow Roberto to fully realize his potential, playing alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera. However, should he decide to stay on with his boyhood club, he will have to put up quite a performance in order to remain the first-choice player for newly appointed coach Ernesto Valverde.
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.
