Man Utd Steal March On Chelsea With £36m Bid For Spanish Star

Managers are now pressing ahead with their plans for the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Man Utd have made their move for Sergi Roberto….

Manchester United have stolen a march on Chelsea after submitting a £36m (€40m) offer for Barcelona star Sergi Roberto, according to a report in the Mirror.

Roberto has been with Barca his entire career having come through the La Masia youth academy and he’s gone on to make over 150 appearances for the first team since breaking in to the side in 2013.

The 25-year-old started out as a defensive midfielder but he’s developed in to a top right-back and he made 47 appearances in all competitions in that role last season.

However, Roberto’s future at the Nou Camp is now in serious doubt as he’s expected to lose his place in new boss Ernesto Valverde’s starting eleven following the arrival of Nelson Semedo from Benfica.

This has led to speculation that the Spanish international will look for a move this summer in order to secure regular action ahead of the 2018 World Cup and a move to the Premier League has been mooted.

The Express reported last week that Chelsea are interested while Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho is understood to have been in regular contact with the full-back to discuss a potential move to Old Trafford.

Antonio Conte is desperately trying to further strengthen his squad as he knows he needs more new recruits ahead of Chelsea’s return to the Champions League and Roberto would offer top class competition for Victor Moses.

However, it looks like United have now stolen a march on Chelsea as the Mirror are citing a report from Mundo Deportivo that claims the Red Devils have submitted a formal £36m offer to Barcelona.

Mourinho is also hoping to add to his squad before the end of the month and Roberto would be a long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia if he was to make the move to Old Trafford.

The Mundo Deportivo report suggests that Barca are unwilling to sell Roberto and have knocked back United’s opening offer but the Express claim the defender has a £36m buyout clause which has now seemingly been met.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

We’ll have to wait for more developments to see where this potential deal goes but Roberto would be an excellent signing for United, or indeed Chelsea, if either club was able to get a deal agreed.