Manchester United have already beaten Chelsea to Romelu Lukaku this summer, and the two clubs are now set to go head-to-head for another target.
Mundo Deportivo suggest that the Red Devils have seen a £36million bid for Sergi Roberto rejected by Barcelona, with the Blues also interested.
The 25-year-old had a difficult season at the Nou Camp – bar his iconic winner against PSG in the Champions League – but his problems stemmed from the fact that he was often used out of position as a right-back.
The Blaugrana failed to properly replace Dani Alves last summer, causing them to switch between Roberto and Aleix Vidal. Neither was particularly impressive, and Ernesto Valverde made Nelson Semedo his first signing of the new era.
Nevertheless, Barca intend to keep the versatile Roberto, who is most comfortable either in central midfield or on the wing.
They have already lost Neymar for £198million, so there is no reason for them to cash in on any other players.
Antonio Conte will have been alarmed by what he saw from his midfield in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and while he has already signed Tiemoue Bakayoko, it’s easy to see why he’s interested in Roberto too.
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