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Barcelona to scupper Real Madrid plans with Man Utd swap proposal

A report claims Barcelona have considered a swap deal for Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek that would possibly lay waste to Real Madrid’s sale of Raphael Varane.

United are in the market for big money moves this summer and have their sights firmly set on Varane. Despite having spent hundreds of millions in the past few years, the Red Devils still require upgrades in certain areas to put them in a position to compete for the Premier League title.

One of the positions that is not up to scratch is the second centre-back spot. Harry Maguire is a nailed on starter, but there’s not the correct calibre of player at the club currently to partner him.

In Varane, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have a defender with a resume that resembles one of the best in world football.

The move for the Frenchman would be ideal for both parties. It’s no secret that Real find themselves in a vulnerable financial position.

A reported fee in the region of £50m would go some way to help ease the pressure that contributed to Florentino Perez launching the calamitous European Super League.

However, their fierce rivals could be set to throw a huge spanner in the works. They have taken a liking to van de Beek. Indeed, earlier this window they considered a move involving an out of favour centre-back going the other way.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who report the Spanish club ‘studied the viability’ of adding Samuel Umtiti to an offer.

Umtiti has partnered Varane for his country but has not enjoyed as much success as his countryman in LaLiga.

Last season he made just 13 league appearances for Barca. Often youngster Oscar Mingueza was preferred to him.

Despite not being in the same bracket as Varane, the Spanish outlet suggest a swap deal for Umtiti would bring in a first team player for one that will struggle to break into the starting XI.

They argue Dutchman van de Beek does not fit the club. Also, they say he won’t get ahead of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

The report states the move was mooted after Georginio Wijnaldum turned them down in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

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Barca-United links don’t stop there

Meanwhile, a separate report has suggested Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta has made it his mission to secure Pogba himself.

The France international has just one year left on his Old Trafford contract. Hence, the Red Devils can either sell this summer or see all of their £90m fee fade away next year.

Real, Juventus and PSG have all been rumoured as possible destinations for the divisive midfielder.

However, Barca have now reportedly made a mammoth offer involving two of their players to win the race of the European heavyweights…

READ MOREBarcelona offer Man Utd two stars as Joan Laporta eyes beast of a swap deal

 

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