Manchester United have made an approach to sign Spain World Cup winner Gavi after Barcelona signed Rodri from Manchester City.
Michael Carrick remains keen to bolster his midfield options before the summer transfer window closes in less than two weeks time.
United signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea earlier in the summer but are open to a third midfield signing following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury.
Manchester United were linked with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes before they both moves to Tottenham and also missed out on the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers.
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According to the Daily Mirror, Old Trafford bosses have made an ambitious approach to sign Gavi after Barcelona’s impressive deal for fellow World Cup winner Rodri.
Rodri, who won four Premier League titles and the Ballon d’Or during his spell at Man City, looked set to join Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho keen to welcome him to the Bernabeu.
But Barcelona beat their La Liga rivals to a stunning deal, spending a relatively modest fee of £65m to sign one of the most influential players in the world.
Manchester United targeted Gavi after Rodri’s move back to Spain but the 22-year-old immediately rejected their advances as he wants to stay at Barca.
Gavi came through Barcelona’s academy before breaking into the first-team in 2021 and has since made over 150 appearances for the current La Liga champions.
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Carrick is believed to be a huge admirer of Gavi, a member of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad this summer, but will have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
Reports in Spain recently suggested Barcelona could be receptive to the idea of selling Rodri but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano dismissed this possibility.
‘Gavi is not leaving Barcelona, absolutely impossible,’ he said. ‘Barca are more than happy with Gavi.
‘I would not be surprised if in the next months, Gavi and Barca start discussing a new contract. It’s not something imminent, so I don’t want to throw things that are not happening today, tomorrow, or in a few days.
