Raghavendra Goudar
Manchester United given boost in pursuit of Barcelona ace Ilaix Moriba
According to the Express, Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona prodigy Ilaix Moriba a president Joan Laporta has issued him an ultimatum.
The 18-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth setup. He made his first-team debut earlier this year and went on to get regular game-time under Ronald Koeman, finishing with 18 appearances in which he produced a return of one goal and three assists.
However, things have been tense at Barcelona with regard to his future as Moriba has entered the final year of his contract with the Catalan giants and has turned down the extension proposal put forward to him. The situation has led to a number of clubs, including Manchester United and local rivals City keeping tabs on the youngster. (h/t Express)
It has now emerged that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has issued a stern warning to Moriba with regard to his contract situation, insisting that the club will not be held for ransom by his camp. (Mundo Deportivo h/t Express)
“If you do not want to renew, we have other solutions. What we don’t want are players made at La Masia who don’t want to renew. The club is above all.”
Moriba, as per the report, is demanding higher wages than that are being offered, with Barcelona unwilling to meet his demands. If the situation persists, the Catalans may be forced to cash in on him before the transfer window closes, instead of losing him for free next year.
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Judging by Laporta’s words, things don’t seem to be improving between Barcelona and Moriba, which will come as a boost to Manchester United and his other suitors. What now remains to be seen is whether the Red Devils decide to make a move for the youngster.
