Manchester United have been trying to hijack Barcelona’s deal for Vitor Roque at the 11th hour, according to reports. The Athletico Paranaense is a top target for Xavi over in Catalonia. However, with the La Liga champions taking their time to complete a deal, that’s given their rivals an opening.
Barcelona have been strongly linked with Roque in recent weeks, ever since wrestling their La Liga title back from Real Madrid.
Mundo Deportivo say the 18-year-old, who is regarded as a generational talent, has a pre-agreement with the club.
However, with Barcelona yet to complete a deal, that’s given United a chance to try and strike a hijack.
It’s claimed by the publication that United are among teams to have picked up the phone to the teenager’s entourage.
They are supposedly trying to convince the forward to change his mind about a move to Barcelona.
The Red Devils are on the verge of signing Mason Mount from Chelsea, with a £60million fee agreed.
The England international is poised to undergo a medical at Carrington on Monday ahead of his move from Stamford Bridge.
United don’t plan on stopping there, however, with Ten Hag eager to make further additions.
A new goalkeeper is being eyed, with David De Gea now a free agent following the expiry of his contract.
Porto star Diogo Costa has been linked, as well as Feyenoord shot-stopper Justin Bijlow.
However, right now, United look far likelier to raid Serie A giants Inter Milan for Andre Onana instead.
With Roque poised to join Barcelona, Ten Hag will have to look elsewhere as he bids to strengthen his attack.
Harry Kane is their top target, but Tottenham are adamant their talisman won’t be sold for anything less than £100m.
It’s a similar story with Victor Osimhen, with Napoli hellbent on keeping the Nigeria international for another year.
And, as things stand, United would have to break the bank to lure the likes of Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani and Rasmus Hojlund to Old Trafford.
Regarding Roque, meanwhile, Athletico Paranaense chief Alexander Mattos recently insisted they wouldn’t be a pushover in negotiations.
“There is absolutely nothing but the pain of saying that ‘he is sold’, ‘that Barcelona want him’,” he said.
“At the right time, if something comes up that the President thinks is worthwhile, then we will talk.”
Roque scored seven goals from 36 games in 2022.
And he’s bagged 14 goals from 28 games this year.
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