Manchester United ready to submit €75 million bid to sign 27-year-old central midfielder: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a €75 million bid to sign 27-year-old Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan, according to Italian outlet Inter Live. The Premier League powerhouses have long admired Barella and are now ready to realize their interest with a substantial offer.

Barella, who has established himself as one of Serie A’s standout midfielders, joined Inter Milan from Cagliari in 2019. Initially signed on loan, the Italian international secured a permanent move a year later.

Since then, he has made nearly 250 appearances for Inter, contributing 23 goals and 52 assists, and helping the Nerazzurri win two Serie A titles. Barella also played a key role in Italy’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2020.

Manchester United have been seeking midfield reinforcements and see Barella as a suitable alternative to Frenkie de Jong, who remains out of reach. The 27-year-old’s versatility will complement the abilities of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte making him an attractive option.

Alongside the hefty transfer fee, Manchester United are reportedly ready to offer Barella a lucrative contract worth €10 million per year. It remains to be seen whether this bid and offer will be enough to sway both Inter Milan and Barella ahead of the next transfer window.

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Erik ten Hag remains optimistic after Manchester United’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains optimistic about his team’s progress despite their 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday (September 21). The Red Devils dominated the first half, hitting the bar twice in quick succession, but ultimately failed to convert their chances and had to settle for a point.

Despite the frustration of not finding a winner, Ten Hag took positives from the performance.

“The performance is good, but we are not happy with the score. We are disappointed with the score, it’s clear," Ten Hag said (via Independent). "But I know one thing for sure in football, it’s a long way to go and when you play in the quality we now deliver, the points will come, the goals will come.”

The Dutchman also emphasized the importance of building consistency in his team.

“Now, we can work on the team, we can build structures, we can also bring out some consistency in selection, and that helps, of course, to bring the patterns and routines in, and then you play better. You can take more control of the game, and you can even, as we did in the first half, dominate the game,” he added.

Manchester United will now shift their focus to their Europa League clash with Twente on Wednesday (September 25), followed by a Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.