Manchester United in talks to sign €55million Barcelona priority target

With Xavi Hernandez taking charge of the Barcelona first-team earlier this month, plans for the January transfer window are underway.

The Catalans need reinforcements in multiple areas, but the need for a new forward eclipses everything thanks to the injury issues that they have had to face in the final third of the pitch.

Barca are believed to be considering several options to strengthen their attacking unit. One among the names that are being looked at is RB Leipzig’s, Dani Olmo. A former La Masia prospect, the 23-year-old has grown leaps and bounds since leaving Catalonia for Dinamo Zagreb in 2014.

After spending close to six years in the Croatian capital, Olmo signed for Leipzig in January last year and has been a revelation. A versatile operator who can play in any position in the final third of the pitch or in midfield, the flexibility that he provides is very much appreciated at Camp Nou, with Xavi requesting his signing upon his arrival, claims El Nacional.

The report, however, goes on to add that the Catalans will face two major obstacles in their pursuit of the Spanish international. First off, RB Leipzig see him as a key player and the only way they will allow him to leave in January is that any suitor pays a €55million transfer fee.

The second roadblock in Barca’s pursuit of their former academy ace comes in the form of interest from Manchester United. The Premier League giants are intent on signing the 23-year-old attacking midfielder and have held talks over a potential move, with RB Leipzig’s demands unlikely to be an issue for them.

What works in favour of Barcelona is that Olmo is keen on returning to his boyhood club. The 16-time capped Spanish international is keen on proving himself at Camp Nou, having not gotten the chance previously as he left the club at a very young age.

But, in case a move is difficult to pull off, the RB Leipzig ace would be open to joining Manchester United, even though he is aware that playing time at Old Trafford could be much lesser than what he would get at Barcelona.

The Catalans now have a huge task of working out an agreement with RB Leipzig at the earliest possible if they wish to beat United to Olmo’s signing.