Man Utd, Chelsea, City on alert as Barcelona look to cash-in on wonderkid
Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all reportedly ready to make their move after news that Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba could be allowed to leave this summer.
Moriba is a product of the famous La Masia academy, which also produced the likes of City boss Pep Guardiola, as well as Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. However, the 18-year-old only has a year left on his contract and cash-strapped Barca are said to be willing to cash-in on the midfielder.
Mundo Deportivo states that the trio of Premier League clubs are all circling. Their interest has peaked after Barcelona failed to tie the player down to a long-term deal.
Moriba currently has an £86million buyout clause. However, the Catalan giants would let him leave for cheaper to avoid losing the player for nothing in 2022.
The central midfielder has been regarded as a precious talent ever since he joined Barcelona from city rivals Espanyol when he was seven.
He became the highest-earning academy player ever in 2019 and was given a handful of first-team appearances by Ronald Koeman this season.
Moriba came close to quitting Barca for City back in 2019 after a contract dispute. However, a late breakthrough in talks saw him re-sign with the LaLiga giants.
City could also hold the upper hand in any future negotiations. That is due to the fact they agreed to the free transfer exit of Eric Garcia to the Nou Camp.
United, however, have a recent track record of snapping up some of the best young talent in world football. The Red Devils swooped for wingers Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellestri last summer.
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Trippier makes transfer decision
Meanwhile, England right-back Kieran Trippier has reportedly decided to snub Manchester United and remain with LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid this summer.
United have been strongly tipped to bring the defender to Old Trafford to compete with the more defensive-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka next season. A lack of cover in the position meant that the Red Devils man had to play 54 times in all competitions.
Trippier, who joined from Tottenham in 2019, had an excellent second season in Spain with Diego Simeone’s side.
Indeed, the 30-year-old won the first league title of his career. He helped Atletico to fend off Real Madrid and Barcelona to win LaLiga for the first time since 2014.
He played 28 times in the Spanish top-flight this campaign and provided six assists.
That led to talk of a return to the Premier League, with United the main suitors. However, Mundo Deportivo claims that Trippier would rather remain in Madrid next season. The Spanish side are also unwilling to sell.
The news will come as a blow to United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who wanted a more attacking right-back.
United finished 12 points behind title winners City last season, with 11 draws costing them dear.
Solskjaer also wants a new defensive partner for Harry Maguire, as well as a right-winger and potentially another striker.
Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho have been strongly linked with moves.
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