Erik ten Hag is hoping to bolster his squad (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have reportedly seen an offer rejected for Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez in the hope of luring him away from his boyhood side.
The Red Devils are expected to splash the cash this summer in the hope of breathing a fresh lease of life into their squad, with reinforcements eyed at both ends of the pitch.
United put their transfer plans on halt after the season concluded to review Erik ten Hag’s position in the Old Trafford dugout, though the wheels are now in motion for a rebuild after Sir Jim Ratcliffe ruled that his side will keep the faith in the Dutchman.
With departures anticipated in midfield, the Red Devils are also hoping to bolster their central ranks to ensure that Ten Hag has sufficient depth in that department ahead of next season.
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Barca prospect Lopez has been identified as a target at the Theatre of Dreams and United have already made an approach to try and secure his signature.
It is claimed that the Red Devils tabled a £25million bid for the 21-year-old, but the offer was promptly rejected as Barca have no intention of parting ways with the playmaker unless an ‘irrefutable’ bid is tabled.
United are reportedly keen to secure the signature of Fermin Lopez (Image: Getty)
The Catalan giants believe that Lopez will be a key player for the club in both the short and long term. The midfielder made 31 La Liga appearances last season, scoring eight goals, and he features in Hans Flick’s plans for the upcoming campaign as well.
Barca informed United that they will need to ‘stretch’ to a higher fee if they want to open talks for Lopez as they believe that his value will continue to increase over the coming years as he continues to develop and play regularly.
Fermin Lopez features in Barcelona’s long-term plans (Image: Getty)
The Red Devils feel that the Spain international’s characteristics are what they are lacking in midfield, having been impressed by his technical ability, and they will now be forced to weigh up whether to submit a second offer for Lopez or turn their attention to alternative targets.
There has been an emphasis on signing younger players this summer at United as well, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, identified as the club’s top target to replace Raphael Varane in defence next season.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1912313/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Barcelona-Fermin-Lopez