Manchester United's Daley Blind could be the subject of a shock swoop in the January transfer window from Barcelona.

The versatile Dutchman is out-of-favour at Old Trafford, alerting the Catalan club who are on the hunt for defensive cover for the injured Javier Mascherano and Samuel Umtiti.

Marca reports that Barca are keeping tabs on Blind and fellow Dutch national Stefan de Vrij of Lazio.

Blind's current contract is due to expire next summer, with United having the option to extend it by another year.

Daley Blind of Manchester United in action with Mohamed Elyounoussi of FC Basel (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)
Lazio's Stefan De Vrij is also on Barca's radar (
Image:
Action Plus via Getty Images)

The former Ajax star has fallen down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho this season though, and it is thought he could favour a move elsewhere.

Ernesto Valverde is said to prefer a move for De Vrij, but he could face competition for his signature from several clubs.

Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all rumoured to obtain an interest in the player which could fend off Barcelona's interest and lead them to go for Blind.

Barca's scouts have been watching the Dutch pair after going cold on initial target Inigo Martinez of Real Sociedad, whilst Yerry Mina doesn't arrive at the Nou Camp until next summer.

The 23-year-old has already agreed to a nine-million pound switch from current club Palmeiras at the end of the season.