Barcelona defender Marc Bartra is reportedly emerging out as a prime target for Manchester United in the January transfer window.
According to reports from the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are leading the race for Bartra, who is considering his future at the Camp Nou.
Ed Malyon writes that Bartra has been left “distraught” for being left out of the match day squad for El Clasico at the weekend. He is therefore contemplating a move away from Barcelona to secure first-team football.
Manchester United are still looking to sign a top class central defender, after missing out on few top targets in the summer like Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi.
The report claims that Louis van Gaal is actively searching for a left-footed centre-back, and this is where Bartra comes into the picture. He has already dropped down the pecking orders at the club and his game time will likely to be further limited by the return of Thomas Vermaelen from a long-term injury.
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol could play a key role here for the deal to materialise.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Bartra (who has a market value of€12m) is looking to switch agents, and he will soon be represented by Puyol.
Now, Puyol has a strong relationship with Van Gaal and therefore a move to Manchester United cannot be completely ruled out.
Manchester United fans should not get carried away too easily. This could all be a ploy from Bartra’s end to secure a lucrative contract (his current deal ends in 2017) at Barcelona.
We have seen how United missed out on several targets in the summer transfer window, with players often using the Old Trafford club as a medium to secure a new contract or move elsewhere bagging a bumper pay package.
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