Krishnan Sreekumar
Transfer News: Manchester United in three-way transfer battle for Barcelona youngster Gavi
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Express), Manchester United are locked in a three-way transfer battle with other Premier League clubs to secure the services of Barcelona youngster Gavi at the end of the season.
Having come through the famed La Masia, the teenager was promoted to the first team this season after the club’s dire financial situation meant that they had to rely on youth products rather than sign talent from elsewhere.
His performances this season have caught the eye of Man United, but the Red Devils will face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also looking to add the talented star to their midfield ranks.
Such is the 17-year-old’s talent that despite only just breaking through to the senior side, he has caught the attention of several English giants. It remains to be seen if any of these clubs have made an official approach with Barcelona for the midfielder’s signature.
Release clause may be doubled
Not just his age, but his versatility is also a big plus to interested clubs. Playing in only his breakthrough season with the first team, the Spaniard has been used in central midfield, on both wings, and also been pushed up further to support the attack in the middle of the park.
Any clubs looking to sign him at the end of the season will need to match his release clause, which stands at £42m. However, any deal for the starlet beyond June would see the clause double in value. Clearly, attempts at signing the player are time-bound and United among others will need to hurry to snap him up in the summer.
The midfield has always been the Red Devils’ weak link, with the side failing to sign a reputed and talented lynchpin in the middle of the pitch to conduct proceedings and set the tempo of the game.
Ever since Michael Carrick retired in 2018, we have not had a player we can rely on constantly to dictate the pace of the game and keep us ticking. Fred and Scott McTominay have been utilised in that position, but the pair have failed to impress.
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Gavi’s current contract at Barcelona expires in 2023. The Catalan club are already said to be in contract negotiations with him and believe that the academy star won’t consider anything other than renewing his contract with the club.
If Man United are serious about signing the player, they will need to hurry up and get official talks starting in order to secure Gavi’s services for a relatively cheap price, before his release clause doubles later on in the summer.
