Barcelona set to offer new long-term contract to Man Utd and City transfer target Ilaix Moriba as current deal expires

BARCELONA are set to offer one of their exciting prospects Ilaix Moriba a new contract, according to reports.

In a season which didn’t bring Barca fans much joy, the emergence of Moriba is one thing to celebrate.

The 18-year-old played a big role this season, making 18 first team appearances across all competitions.

And he managed to find the back of the net once, whilst also providing three assists.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barca will sit down with the teenager next week to offer him a three or four-year deal.

Moriba’s current contract expires in the summer of 2022, and he is attracting interest from a host of big clubs around Europe including both Manchester clubs.

The report goes on to state that club president Joan Laporta has made it very clear that Barca must follow a strict economic budget due to the club’s financial situation.

Despite Barca not being able to financially compete with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, they can offer Moriba more first team minutes as the club cannot afford to bring in world class, big-money signings.

Boss Ronald Koeman is a big fan of Moriba’s and has previously stated that he gives Barca ‘something extra’.

He said: “Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra, because of his personality, his energy, most of all he’s good with the ball, and physically he’s a strong boy.

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“He’s gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team.

“It is clear that we are proud to let young people from grassroots football in.

“We do it because they deserve it, there are people like Pedri, Ilaix, Riqui, Araujo, Mingueza … They are the future of the club.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk