Barcelona striker would be open to joining a top club amid Manchester United links

Memphis Depay could be open to leaving Barcelona in the January transfer window should a top club approach him and offer a desirable project. This is according to Fabrizio Romano (via United Stand), who states that Manchester United hold an interest in the forward.

Depay has been out of favour at Barcelona this season and has played just three times so far, due to competition for places as well as injuries.

Given that his contract expires at the end of the campaign, the Blaugrana are open to cashing in on him this month as it would ease their Financial Fair Play issues to some extent.

Depay, as a result, has been offered to several clubs, but the forward has been reluctant to leave so far as he is said to be keen on departing as a free agent in the summer.

However, now Romano is stating that the 28-year-old could consider leaving Camp Nou in January itself if he is offered the main role at a top club.

Currently a backup at Barça, Depay does not want to end up taking a similar role at his new club and would ideally prefer until the summer before leaving for a club of his choosing. It would also allow him to earn a more lucrative deal.

However, should a big club approach him and offer an interesting project, he would consider an exit from Barcelona.

This development comes amid claims that Manchester United are interested in re-signing the Dutchman. The Red Devils parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo recently and are looking for a new forward, with Depay among the options.

Romano states that initial negotiations had been held between Manchester United and the striker’s camp during the World Cup, but it has not led to anything substantial as of yet.

There is a matter of familiarity with Depay as he has played at United before while fellow Dutchman and manager Erik ten Hag also knows him well.

But, the only way that the striker will consider leaving Barcelona is if he is offered a prominent role in an exciting project by a top club.