Manchester United may have been handed a significant boost to their hopes of sealing the transfer of Leon Goretzka, with Barcelona ruling out a move to sign him for the time being.
The Red Devils were one of a number of Premier League sides recently linked with the Schalke midfielder, who is attracting plenty of interest as he nears the end of his contract.
Goretzka, 22, will be a free agent next summer and would represent a great piece of business for United, as well as for rumoured rival suitors Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Previous claims suggested Barcelona were one of the front-runners for Goretzka’s signature, but their international scout Ariedo Braida has poured cold water on the stories.
Responding to questions about Barca’s interest in the Germany international, Braida said he did not believe he was currently at the right level for a move to the Nou Camp.
‘He is certainly a great player, but for Barcelona it is too soon,’ he said.
‘I travel around the world in search of great talent, but our demands are extremely high.’
Manchester United 2018/19 Fixtures
Fulham (A) - Feb 9
PSG (H) - Feb 12
Chelsea (A) - Feb 18
Liverpool (H) - Feb 24
Crystal Palace (A) - Feb 27
Southampton (H) - Mar 2
Premier League clubs will surely feel Goretzka has shown he is ready for a big move, having established himself as one of the top midfielders in the Bundesliga.
The likes of United will also feel that swooping for the player now is also a particularly low-risk move due to his contract situation and likely availability on a free transfer come next season.
MORE : Romelu Lukaku misses Belgium training due to ankle injury
MORE : Marcus Rashford sends exciting message to Man Utd fans
Share this with