Barcelona defensive midfielder turns down Manchester United approach

As Manchester United search for their next midfield signings this summer, options are appearing scarce.

Tottenham Hotspur lead the hunt to sign Mateus Fernandes, and former top target Elliot Anderson is set to sign for rivals Manchester City.

United also ruled themselves out of the race to sign Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle pushing for an £100 million sale of the Italian, who Spurs are also in for. With bolstering the heart of their team through the transfer market as Manchester United’s priority, the current state of play isn’t hugely encouraging.

The Red Devils have now been handed another blow, with the foreign market also proving tough to navigate.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United approached Barcelona over a potential signing of 19-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, along with fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal. The Blaugrana youngster turned down all three of the options, with the answer: ‘one hundred per cent Barca’.

It’s another option that Manchester United can cross off their list this summer. While Bernal may not have been the marquee signing option, and perhaps one of similar calibre to Shea Charles, who Leeds United are in talks to sign, it looks to be another blow.

Another option who could be pursued by United is fellow Barca midfielder Marc Casado, who the club have reportedly renewed interest in.

Wrapping up the early signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson looks even more crucial now in hindsight. With the Brazilian set to put pen to paper on a United contract in the coming weeks, he’s an option that may have cost the club more now with the extortionate prices now being floated about in the transfer market, and them knowing the Red Devils’ desperation.

Manchester United are no closer to signing their next midfielder, but will have to stay resolute in making a breakthrough soon.