Manchester United make €30 million offer to sign 21-year-old star part of Spain's Euro 2024 squad: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly made a €30 million offer for highly-rated Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. As reported by David Bernabeu of Spanish outlet Sport via Barca Universal, the Red Devil's offer for the 21-year-old was swiftly rejected by the Blaugrana.
The report suggests that Barcelona have made it clear to Manchester United that the Spain international is not for sale. The Catalan giants require balancing their books but view Lopez as an integral part of their squad for the future.
Fermin Lopez came through Barca's youth ranks and made his way to the first team last season. The midfielder featured 42 times for the senior team last season having impressed during his loan spell at Linares.
Lopez contributed with 11 goals and one assist in 42 appearances for Barcelona last season. He was mostly deployed as a No. 8 but also featured as No. 10 or on the flanks occasionally.
While Barca don't plan on letting the Spaniard leave, they could, however, be persuaded by an offer too good to refuse. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United decide to raise their offer for the youngster and move to other targets.
Manchester United are in dire need of bolstering their midfield ranks having struggled in the department last season. Casemiro is no longer the player he used to be while Christian Eriksen is also past his best.
Fermin Lopez could prove to be a long-term solution to the Red Devils' midfield problems should they manage to secure his signature. The youngster is currently on international duty with Spain for the Euros.
Erik ten Hag claims Manchester United held talks with former Premier League manager
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that the club held talks with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel this summer. He insisted that the Red Devils decided to stick with him despite holding talks with the German manager, who recently parted ways with Bayern Munich.
The Dutchman said, via Dutch TV:
"The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. It was a turbulent season. Never a dull moment. Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager."
Ten Hag claimed that United took their time to review the season under him and decided to allow him to continue.
"As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner is new to football, he has taken his time. They have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers. That is not even allowed in the Netherlands. Then it is forbidden to talk to other coaches if there is still a trainer," he added.
Manchester United were linked with a host of managers following an underwhelming season under Ten Hag. While they won the FA Cup by beating rivals Manchester City, United endured a difficult end to the Premier League season which saw them finish eighth.