MANCHESTER UNITED have been sensationally banned from signing Barcelona striker Luis Suarez for free due to a clause in his contract.
It has been revealed that United are one of several clubs that the Uruguayan will not be able to join for nothing as he negotiates his exit from Barca.
Suarez has been banned from joining several clubs for free by BarcaCredit: AFP or licensors
Suarez was linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer but with his ties to Liverpool, it was not likely to happen.
He was also found guilty of racially abusing United legend Patrice Evra in 2011, making the move impossible.
It has been reported that the other clubs on the list include Real Madrid, Man City and PSG, according to ESPN.
Their fierce rivals Atletico weren’t officially on the list and had started negotiations with Suarez.
However, Barca president Josep Bartomeu wasn’t happy and added Atletico to the list of banned clubs, according to AS.
This means that Atletico will now have to make a formal bid for Suarez if they want the deal to go through.
Suarez, 33, is said to be fuming and is considering holding a press conference with his lawyers as he claims Barca promised that his contract can be terminated.
Juventus were also in the frame for his signature but the deal fell through amid claims that Suarez cheated in his exam to gain an Italian passport.
He has been looking for a new club since Ronald Koeman took over.
The former Holland manager has started to dismantle the Barca squad after their dismal exit from the Champions League last season.
Liverpool are keeping a close eye on developments and have been linked with a loan move for their struggling French winger Ousmane Dembele.
Luis Suarez’s Atletico Madrid transfer in jeopardy as Barcelona pull plug on him joining club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
