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Manchester United dealt a heavy blow in pursuit of Barcelona ace Ilaix Moriba

Ilaix Moriba Barcelona B, OCTOBER 18, 2020 - Football / Soccer : Spanish La Liga Segunda Division B match between FC Barcelona, Barca B 1-0 Gimnastic Tarragona at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. Noxthirdxpartyxsales PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPN 146768791

Transfer News: Manchester United dealt a blow in pursuit of Barcelona starlet Ilaix Moriba

According to latest transfer news from El Confidencial (h/t Sports Mole), Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona youngster Ilaix Moriba, with the Catalans pushing hard to extend his stay at the club.

Moriba is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy. The central midfielder made his first-team breakthrough in the ongoing season under Ronald Koeman.

While he hasn’t established himself as a starter for Barcelona, Moriba has become somewhat of a regular, constantly making appearances from the bench and contributing with a goal and three assists as well.

Ilaix Moriba in action for Barcelona
Ilaix Moriba in action for Barcelona

Given his unbridled potential, Manchester United are understood to have shown an interest in signing the midfielder. The Red Devils’ interest is further fueled by the fact that Moriba will be out of contract with Barcelona in June next year.

And, in order to snare him away from the La Liga giants, Manchester United are reported to have already made a firm offer for the 18-year-old. However, the Red Devils’ interest in the Barcelona teenager might not lead to a transfer, as per the report.

That is because Barcelona see Moriba as one of their untouchables and are now working extremely hard to convince him to stay put at Camp Nou.

Ilaix Moriba is a transfer target for Manchester United
Ilaix Moriba is a transfer target for Manchester United

More Manchester United News:

Manchester United have a stockpile of central midfielders currently in Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic. Not to forget youngsters such as James Garner and Dylan Levitt as well.

However, Pogba’s future is far from certain while Matic is in the final phase of his career. So, investing in young and talented stars such as Moriba would only serve well for the club in the long run.

But with Barcelona unlikely to let go of him easily, a transfer to Manchester United for Ilaix Moriba may not materialise this summer.

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