MANCHESTER UNITED have launched a bid for Barcelona prodigy Ilaix Moriba, according to reports.
The midfielder, 18, has won rave reviews since breaking into the Catalans’ first team earlier this season.
Barcelona ace Ilaix Moriba has been linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Spain Under-18 international Moriba has been labelled the new Paul Pogba, with similar strength and creativity to the Red Devils superstar.
And Barcelona sports daily Mundo Deportivo claimed Old Trafford officials have tabled an offer for the Guinea-born teenager.
RB Leipzig are also said to have made an offer for Moriba, whose Nou Camp contract is due to expire next year.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning a major summer revamp to make his side serious challengers for Manchester City next season.
They currently trail their arch-rivals by 14 points ahead of Sunday’s derby showdown.
Barca rate Moriba highly enough to have written an eye-watering £89million buyout clause into his contract.
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The central midfielder’s agent is Jonathan Barnett, who famously represents Gareth Bale among others.
Moriba joined Barca aged seven from their city rivals Espanyol, and came through their famed La Masia academy.
Capped nine times at junior level by Spain, he broke into Barcelona’s B team last season.
Barca boss Ronald Koeman has handed him four senior appearances this term alongside 10 games for the B side.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
