All eyes have been on a potential move for Jadon Sancho, but new reports suggest that Manchester United have also been working on a deal to sign one of FC Barcelona's rising African stars.
Borussia Dortmund's Sancho is reportedly United's No. 1 target for this transfer window, but agreeing a deal has been tougher than expected for the English giants, with the Bundesliga said to be unwilling to negotiate on their price.
The Daily Express has now claimed that agent Jorge Mendes is working hard on a deal that would see Guinea Bissau-born Barca starlet Ansu Fati move to Old Trafford.
Sancho will reportedly cost £108 million (R2.4 billion), making Fati a slightly more affordable option, and AS had reported that Mendes had first enquired about the opportunity of luring Fati to United at the beginning of June.
It is claimed that Barca's initial price for the teenage forward was about £91 million (R2 billion) as the club is not too keen on letting the talented attacker leave.
In fact, the Blaugrana are said to have been drawing up plans to offer the player a new, long-term deal, which would include a massive £152 million (R3.4 billion) release clause.
The Catalans had reportedly been hoping to hold off salary increases until a new deal was negotiated, but United's interest could force them to speed up the process.
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has issued some strong words regarding Fati, saying he is not available at any cost, even if the club needs to balance the books during the pandemic.
However, as the window drags on, the Spanish giants may have to consider other options if they cannot offload some of the stars that are currently inflating their books.
