Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte both want a versatile squad player to provide more options (Getty)

Manchester United have made a €40 million (£36m) offer for Barcelona’s versatile midfielder Sergi Roberto, though face stiff competition for his signature from Chelsea according to reports in Spain.

Jose Mourinho is known to want cover both in midfield and at right-back, where Sergi Roberto played predominantly last season, and had originally targeted Monaco’s Fabinho for the role.

But with the French champions unwilling to sell any more of their stars, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that they have switched targets and approached Barca instead.

Sergi Roberto is likely to lose his place in the Barcelona first team next season (Picture: Getty)

The Catalan club are adamant that Sergi Roberto will not be sold this summer, rebuffing United’s first offer as they look to keep their squad together following Neymar’s move to PSG.

For his part, the 25-year-old is happy to remain at Camp Nou, though the arrival of Nelson Semedo – who will be new manager Ernesto Valverde’s first-choice right-back this season – will severely limit his playing time.

Barcelona have already lost PSG new boy Neymar against their will this summer (Picture: Getty)

Barca are also expected to bring in former Tottenham flop Paulinho, which will further dampen Sergi Roberto’s hopes of getting increased game time in his natural midfield role.

The potential for the Spaniard to become surplus to requirements has not only alerted United to his potential availability before the window closes, but Chelsea are also interested.

Mourinho got a first-hand look at Sergi Roberto in a pre-season friendly against Barca (Getty)
Mourinho got a first-hand look at Sergi Roberto in a pre-season friendly against Barca (Getty)

Antonio Conte, like Mourinho, wants coverage at right-back and right wing-back, as well as competition in midfield following Nemanja Matic’s departure.

Sergi Roberto’s ability to play in so many different positions means he ticks both boxes and Conte feels he could slot into his Chelsea side seamlessly and begin providing the squad depth he so desperately requires.

Nevertheless, Sergi Roberto’s preference would be to prove his worth to Valverde and stay at Barca, with the club ready to end United and Chelsea’s interest once and for all by offering him a new deal.

MORE : Chelsea ready to move for £100m-rated Manchester United target Gareth Bale as Real Madrid consider sale