Barcelona News: Club contact Leon Goretzka’s agent in blow to Man Utd and Liverpool

BARCELONA plan to muscle in on Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Leon Goretzka by signing him in January, according to reports.

Barcelona news transfers Leon GoretzkaGETTY

Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool all reportedly want to sign Leon Goretzka

Barcelona are keen to sign midfielders after a frustrating summer and Goretzka is a free agent at the end of the season.

But Ernesto Valverde is so desperate to add to his squad that he is willing to fork out the cash to sign the Schalke star in January.

That is according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, who claim Barcelona have spoken to the player’s agent Jorg Neubauer as they prepare to launch a bid in the New Year.

It is claimed Goretzka will be available for around £8.8m to £13.2m (€10m to €15m).

German newspaper Bild claimed earlier this week that Manchester United and Liverpool are both keen on the player, while Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring him.

United failed to sign a winger in the summer transfer market and Jose Mourinho has ruled out January additions, so they would likely move for Goretzka when he becomes a free agent.

A January move also doesn’t appeal to Liverpool, who retained Philippe Coutinho and added Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mohamed Salah to their squad in pre-season, while Naby Keita will arrive at the end of the season.

Barca therefore appear to have a free hit at 22-year-old Goretzka when the transfer window opens.

Leon Goretzka Barcelona newsGETTY

Barcelona plan to sign Leon Goretzka (right) in January

Leon Goretzka in action for Schalke and Germany

Mundo Deportivo claim Schalke don’t want to lose Goretzka for nothing and so a January deal makes sense to all parties.

However, the Bundesliga club are preparing to offer Goretzka a staggering £8.8m-a-season contract to reject the advances of Europe’s elite clubs.

Bayern Munich are also eyeing the player but Schalke don’t want to sell to a domestic rival.

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