Barcelona line up shock move for Man Utd star Daley Blind

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Barcelona are preparing a shock bid for Manchester United defender Daley Blind
Ernesto Valverde is keen to bolster his defensive options at the Camp Nou
Blind's versatility means he can comfortably play in a number of positions
Central defenders Inigo Martinez and Stefan de Vrij are also on Valverde's radar

Published: 05:24 EDT, 15 December 2017 | Updated: 05:53 EDT, 15 December 2017

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Barcelona are reportedly preparing a shock bid to secure the services of Manchester United defender Daley Blind.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde is keen to bolster his defensive options as he prepares for the departure of Javier Mascherano.

Blind's versatility means he can comfortably play in the centre or left of defence as well as central midfield.

Barcelona are preparing a shock bid to secure the services of Manchester United's Daley Blind

However, the Dutchman's current deal at Old Trafford is set to expire in June 2018 and he could be forced to move away from United after slipping down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho.

The 27-year-old arrived with Louis Van Gaal in 2014 for £14million, but has made just 12 appearances for the Red Devils this campaign.

Marca also claims that former Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta was interested in signing Blind in 2014, the same summer he moved to Old Trafford following the World Cup.

The Dutchman's contract is set to expire this summer and he has struggled for regular football

Ernesto Valverde wants to bolster his options ahead of the departure of Javier Mascherano

Real Sociedad's Inigo Martinez remains Valverde's preferred choice but Blind's compatriot Stefan de Vrij is also on his radar.

The Lazio defender is entering the final six months of his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico and interest in him is high with Liverpool, Juventus and Atletico Madrid all keeping tabs on the Dutchman.

Barcelona's technical secretary Robert Fernandez watched de Vrij in Lazio's 3-1 defeat to Torino on Monday night.