Sources: Erik ten Hag wants Man United to beat Man City to Nicolo Barella deal amid ‘huge’ claim
Man United want to sign Nicolo Barella but face tough competition from Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
Erik ten Hag is believed to be a “huge fan” of the Italian midfielder and is keen to lure him to Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old’s current contract at Inter Milan runs until 2026 after he joined from Cagliari Calcio in 2020 following a successful loan spell with the Italian giants.
The Italy international has made 31 appearances for Inter across all competitions this season and has scored six goals and provided seven assists in those outings.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (24 February), the Italian giants have set Barella’s price tag at £70million.
The report also claims that Liverpool are interested in the midfielder ahead of the summer window.
On 24 February, Football Insider reported that the Reds have set their sights on signing three new midfielders this summer in preparation of a total squad overhaul and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham remains a top target.
United are also looking to strengthen in the midfield and signed Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich for the remainder of the 2022/23 season but will be after a more permanent solution in the summer.
On Monday (27 February), Football Insider revealed United remain interested in Declan Rice but face big competition from Premier League rivals such as Arsenal.
Ten Hag’s side will be keen to add Barella to their ranks in the summer but face big competition from their Manchester rivals.
United are currently just five points behind City in the Premier League table and have a game in hand ahead of their FA Cup clash against West Ham tomorrow (1 March).
In other news, according to sources, Crystal Palace in hunt for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Man United line up ‘£50m’-valued replacement.