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Barcelona have stepped up their interest to sign Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, who has been targeted by Real Madrid and Manchester United. The Blaugrana are not pleased with their current options at left-back, with main starter Alejandro Balde lacking any real competition.
The 21-year-old full-back has made 14 appearances this season, providing three assists. His backup in Gerard Martin has made 11 appearances, providing just one assist, and Barca believe they can get more from that left-flank. This has led them to show interest in Davies, who has racked up 11 goals and 34 assists during his 209 games with Bayern.
Notably, Barca manager Hansi Flick once managed the 24-year-old while he was at the Allianz Arena dugout. The German tactician is believed to view the full-back as an exciting alternative to his current options, according to journalist Christian Falk (via Football Espana).
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The Canada international's contract will expire in the coming summer, meaning Barcelona can get him on a free transfer. However, so can other clubs. Real Madrid have been linked to a move for Davies for some time, and so have Manchester United.
As per the reports from Falk, Real Madrid are said to be leading the race for his signature at the moment. The Spanish giants have struggled to meet expectations this season, losing two of their Champions League games in the group stage. They may be looking to change things up in the summer, and a free transfer for Alphonso Davies will be a great starting point.
For Manchester United, injuries have seriously dented their depth at full-back. Players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are spending more time with the doctors than on the pitch, leaving right-back Diogo Dalot often deputizing on the left.
Manchester United legend speaks about Barcelona's and Real Madrid's legendary midfields
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has spoken about the debate surrounding which legendary midfield trio was better between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both clubs are easily two of the biggest in the world, with their midfielders enjoying impressive careers.
While Barca had Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in their glory years, Madrid had the trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro. Scholes and Manchester United notably lost to Barcelona in two separate UEFA Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011.
It is no surprise that he admitted they were better than Madrid's trio, as he said on the Overlap (via United in Focus):
“I think Xavi and Iniesta were different players. Xavi was amazing at controlling a game, along with Busquets. He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves because the three of them were sensational. Iniesta was a little bit different because he could go past people.
“That Barcelona one is better than [Real Madrid’s trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro].”
Out of the six players, only three are still on the pitch today. Sergio Busquets turns out for Inter Miami in the USA, Casemiro plays with Manchester United, and Luka Modric is still with Madrid. The rest have retired.
