Not Perisic, Manchester United could move to agree deal for £36m midfielder

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs in the running to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto this summer. The La Masia graduate is a central midfielder by trade, although he was utilised as a right-back by Luis Enrique last season.

According to Don Balon, the Red Devils are in a three-way race with Chelsea and AS Monaco as they look to pursue Roberto, who has a £36m release clause in his contract. Jose Mourinho got his wish with the midfield signing of Nemanja Matic last month, but he is still on the lookout for another recruit before the close of the transfer window.

Roberto was pushed into the right-back role last term after Barcelona failed to find a suitable replacement for Dani Alves. He managed 42 appearances in all competitions while bagging the all important goal in Barcelona’s 6-1 Champions League thumping of Paris Saint-Germain which ensured their progress from the round of 16.

New Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has already bolstered the right-back spot with the signing of Nelson Semedo, and Roberto is said to be assessing his future with the club also on the look out for a midfield signing this month.

Mourinho currently has the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Matic to depend upon in midfield, and a move for Roberto does not sound necessary. However, the Spaniard’s ability to feature in the right-back/right wing-back could make him a meaningful asset in the long-term with Antonio Valencia likely to be rested in certain games.




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