Man Utd launch £30m bid to sign Serie A star but Chelsea could hijack proposed deal

The January transfer window is open and managers are working hard on strengthening their squads and identifying targets for the summer so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest rumours. Today, Man Utd and Chelsea are linked with Nicolo Barella…

Manchester United have launched a £30m bid to sign Nicolo Barella this month but Chelsea could hijack their proposed deal for the Cagliari midfielder, according to reports in Italy via the Daily Star.

Barella is a product of the Cagliari youth academy after joining the club as a child and he’s developed in to one of the most exciting young talents in Italian football since breaking in to the first team set-up last season.

The 21-year-old has been virtually ever-present so far this campaign with the midfielder missing just one Serie A game for Cagliari due to suspension while he’s also made an impression at international level having earned 4 caps for the Italian team.

Barella’s potential has caught the attention of clubs throughout Europe – including here in the Premier League – with Manchester United among those to have been strongly linked with a move for the player this month.

It seems they’ve formalised their interest as the Daily Star are reporting that Man Utd have made a £30m ‘take it or leave it’ offer for Barella after scout David Williams identified him as a prime target.

The Manchester giants are looking to strengthen their squad after turning their season around following the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager and it looks like United are hoping to lure Barella to Old Trafford this winter.

However, Chelsea could be ready to hijack Man Utd’s proposed deal as the Daily Star are citing a report from Corierre dello Sport that claims the Blues would have the edge over their rivals if they step-up their interest in Barella.

The report says Chelsea have shortlisted Barella and Leandro Paredes as potential replacements for Cesc Fabregas – who’s off to Monaco – and Maurizio Sarri wants one of the duo on board within the next week.

Corierre dello Sport, via the Daily Star, add that if Chelsea opt for Barella they will be able to beat United to his signature and get a deal agreed swiftly due to assistant coach Gianfranco Zola’s close relationship with Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini.

Chelsea are expected to make a decision over who to sign over the coming days so Man Utd may try to push through their proposed £30m deal quickly before the Blues get a chance to formalise their interest in the Italian midfielder.