Manchester United make approach to sign Barcelona star after £65m Rodri transfer

Manchester United have made an approach to sign Spain World Cup winner Gavi after Barcelona signed Rodri from Manchester City.

Michael Carrick remains keen to bolster his midfield options before the summer transfer window closes in less than two weeks time.

United signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea earlier in the summer but are open to a third midfield signing following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury.

Manchester United were linked with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes before they both moves to Tottenham and also missed out on the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers.

According to the Daily Mirror, Old Trafford bosses have made an ambitious approach to sign Gavi after Barcelona’s impressive deal for fellow World Cup winner Rodri.

Rodri, who won four Premier League titles and the Ballon d’Or during his spell at Man City, looked set to join Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho keen to welcome him to the Bernabeu.

But Barcelona beat their La Liga rivals to a stunning deal, spending a relatively modest fee of £65m to sign one of the most influential players in the world.

Manchester United targeted Gavi after Rodri’s move back to Spain but the 22-year-old immediately rejected their advances as he wants to stay at Barca.

Gavi came through Barcelona’s academy before breaking into the first-team in 2021 and has since made over 150 appearances for the current La Liga champions.

Carrick is believed to be a huge admirer of Gavi, a member of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad this summer, but will have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.

Reports in Spain recently suggested Barcelona could be receptive to the idea of selling Rodri but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano dismissed this possibility.

‘Gavi is not leaving Barcelona, absolutely impossible,’ he said. ‘Barca are more than happy with Gavi.

‘I would not be surprised if in the next months, Gavi and Barca start discussing a new contract. It’s not something imminent, so I don’t want to throw things that are not happening today, tomorrow, or in a few days.

‘But in the next months, I would not be surprised if you see a conversation between Gavi, and Barca over a new contract.

‘Gavi’s super happy with Barca. Rodri joining Barca is only good news for Gavi. Gavi and Rodri have an excellent relationship.

‘It doesn’t mean that Rodri is going to Barca so Gavi wants to go, it’s not true at all, and Gavi’s staying.’

While Manchester United’s move for Gavi was rebuffed, they are making progress on a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer and Manchester United have offered Brighton a deal worth £65m this week.

After leaving Manchester City to join Barcelona, Rodri said: ‘I’m very happy to have arrived. The last few days have been intense, but I’m glad everything has been sorted out.

‘Of course, playing for FC Barcelona is a dream. I can’t wait to be with my team-mates, many of whom I already know from the national team. It’s time to get to work and give my very best.’

In a message to Manchester City posted on the club’s official website, Rodri added: ‘Dear City fans, I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try.

‘It’s hard to find the words to express how much gratitude, love and support me and my family have experienced all these years.

‘I remember how I felt when I arrived, signing for the big Manchester City. It was a moment of pure excitement – ‘wow I am going to play with Kevin, Aguero, Silva, Bernardo, John and many others.’ I couldn’t stop smiling.

‘And then Pep, waiting to teach me everything from day one. Pep I can tell you now, I couldn’t handle all those tactics in my head.

‘But a question came to me, ‘could we handle all these expectations for the next years.’ I think that time answered the question.

‘I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect.

‘We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way.

‘City didn’t just make me a grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. Manchester shaped my whole life.

‘So City fans, it’s time to say goodbye, thank you for the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be Blue.’

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