Man Utd join Chelsea in chase to sign £43m star who’s open to Old Trafford move

The January transfer window is in full swing 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 join Chelsea in the race to sign Nicolo Barella…

Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Nicolo Barella and the £43m-rated Cagliari midfielder would find it impossible to reject a move to Old Trafford, according to reports via The Sun.

Barella has developed in to one of the best young midfield players in Italian football since coming through the youth system at Cagliari and he’s been virtually ever-present in Rolando Maran’s starting eleven this season.

The 21-year-old has featured in 20 Serie A games this campaign and his superb performances for his club have seen him break in to the Italian national team with four caps to his name so far.

Barella’s potential has alerted Chelsea as The Sun claim that Maurizio Sarri has identified the Italian star as the perfect replacement for Cesc Fabregas following his move to Monaco and Gianfranco Zola has reportedly called the player to try and lure him to West London.

However, it seems Chelsea will now face stiff competition as the newspaper is citing a report from Gazetta dello Sport [no link as it was in their print version] that claims Man Utd have now joined the chase to sign Barella.

The Italian publication suggests that United have been closely monitoring his progress this season ahead of a potential swoop and claim that Barella would find it ‘impossible’ to turn down a move to Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made a dream start to life as caretaker manager and United chiefs are ready to spend to strengthen their squad in order to turn the Manchester giants back in to title contenders again.

READ –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

However, The Sun claims that Cagliari are demanding £43m for Barella’s signature and want to keep the midfielder until the end of the season – which suits the youngster as he’s keen to remain in Italy for now as he’s expecting a baby soon.

Therefore, any potential move to England is likely to come in the summer so United and Chelsea have plenty of time to try and persuade Barella where his future should be.