The Red Devils and Chelsea will go head-to-head to sign Sergi Roberto from Barcelona, according to reports.

Roberto's future at Barcelona is reportedly uncertain following Ernesto Valverde's arrival at the Nou Camp.

The 25-year-old impressed under Luis Enrique last year as he established himself in the heart of Barcelona's midfield.

But Barcelona are getting ready for a summer upheaval following Neymar's £200m to Paris St-Germain.

The likes of Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho and Eden Hazard among others have been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks as they look to reinvest heavily.

Any midfield arrivals could force Roberto down the pecking order at Barcelona but he certainly isn't short of options.

The Spain international has a £36m release clause in his contract at the Catalan club and according to Spanish publication Don Balon Chelsea, United and Monaco are all considering making a bid.

The Blues are also ready to go head-to-head with United over Gareth Bale.

The Welshman has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent weeks with reports in Spain claiming Jose Mourinho is keen to push through a deal.

The United boss has made no secret of his desire to sign one more wide player this summer.

Ivan Perisic was thought to be United's No1 target but couldn't match Inter Milan's valuation and the player's agent expects him to remain with the Serie A club.

And it seems Mourinho has turned his focus to former Tottenham star Bale with Real willing to listen to offers of around £90m.

But the Sunday Express claim Antonio Conte could scupper United's attempts to sign the Wales international.

It is reported that Antonio Conte has targeted four more signings before the transfer window closes and Chelsea have emerged as serious contenders for a shock move to sign Bale.

Graeme Souness believes Antonio Conte has made a mistake selling Nemanja Matic to United.

Mourinho swooped in last week to sign Matic from Chelsea in a deal worth £40m.

Matic was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following Tiemoue Bakayoko's arrival from Monaco.

Antonio Conte recently hinted that his departure was not his decision and has already aired his frustration at Chelsea's current transfer activity stating he can't afford to sell anymore players.

But the 29-year-old has proved a valuable asset to Chelsea over the years and was a key part of the 2015 title winning side.

And Liverpool legend Souness was shocked to see Chelsea allow the midfielder leave to join their title rivals.

Souness told The Sunday Times: “I have some criticism of the Serb — I would like to see him become more of a box-to-box player, contributing more goals (remember that brilliant strike against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final).

"But he has a great workrate, doesn't give the ball away and was an integral part of two title-winning teams.

"At 29 he is at his peak and I would not have sold him.

"Or, if I did want to move him on, it would not have been to Old Trafford because it only strengthens one of Chelsea's rivals.

"A stronger United makes life harder for Chelsea and I expect Manchester City to do better this season."