Manchester United to face competition from Barcelona for €60m-rated star - Reports

Manchester United are reportedly set to face competition from Barcelona for the signature of RB Leipzig striker Dani Olmo. The Spaniard has a reported release clause of €60 million, which expires on July 20.

According to GiveMeSport correspondent Ben Jacobs, United and Bayern Munich are best placed to sign Olmo this summer. However, they could face competition from Olmo's boyhood club, Barcelona, who discussed terms with Leipzig before Euro 2024. The Spaniard had joined La Masia when he was nine before leaving for Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16.

However, the Blaugrana are reportedly prioritising the signing of Nico Williams as of now, so Olmo could take a backseat. It would also require Barca to take care of their finances first and offer a "generous payment structure" to compete with United and Bayern.

As per Jacobs, Leipzig could be open to transfer talks even after Olmo's release clause expires but on similar financial conditions. Manchester City and Chelsea were also in the fray but have now pulled out of the race, as per Jacobs.

Dani Olmo has been one of Spain's best players in Euro 2024. He has three goals and two assists in five appearances, scoring against Germany in the 2-1 quarter-final win and the winner in the 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals. Olmo will look to continue that in the Euro 2024 final with England on Sunday (July 14) in Berlin.

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Manchester United keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer

Frenkie de Jong

According to Barca Universal, Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer. The Red Devils have been interested in De Jong since Erik ten Hag took over as head coach in 2022.

Ten Hag is reportedly fond of De Jong, who played under the coach at AFC Ajax. Meanwhile, Barca are also looking to make a big sale in the transfer window to afford other important signings. De Jong's name is reportedly at the top of the list. His high wages are also reportedly a burden on the club, whose financial woes are well-documented.

Ten Hag has renewed his contract at Manchester United, who are reportedly pursuing a couple of Dutch players, including centre-back Matthis De Ligt from Bayern Munich and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. Barcelona's De Jong could be another significant addition.

Amid transfer talks, De Jong is recovering from an ankle injury and is unlikely to begin pre-season training anytime soon, per reports. It remains to be seen where he ends up at next season.