Manchester United would meet Sergi Roberto’s £36.5m release clause if he wants to leave Barcelona
Chelsea and Juventus also in race for Spanish midfielder who fears for his first-team future at the Nou Camp
MANCHESTER UNITED are happy to meet Sergi Roberto's release clause at Barcelona, according to reports.
It means they could rival Chelsea for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Roberto is understood to be unsettled at Barca and is unhappy with the arrival of former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho.
He feels his first-team opportunities will be limited, leading to speculation he could leave.
In fact, Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Roberto was fuming at being a substitute for last night's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
He eventually got on the pitch, replacing Andres Iniesta in the 68th minute.
Don Balon reveal he has a release clause of £36.5million - and that's a figure United would be happy to match... along with Chelsea.
The report suggests Roberto wants to stay put for the time being but could change his mind before the transfer window closes.
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Another key factor is the expected arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.
Roberto already finds himself competing with Rafinha, Denis Suarez, Nelson Semedo, Paulinho and youngster Carles Alena for a starting place.
The Spaniard is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2019.
Should United swoop neither they or Chelsea have a clear road to Roberto.
For Italian champions Juventus are also on the lookout for a midfielder and are linked to him.
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Juve have lost Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves, and like the fact that Roberto is versatile as he can also operate at right-back.
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