Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Reports in Spain: Manchester United to rival Barcelona with midfielder bid
MANCHESTER UNITED are plotting a move for out-of-favour Valencia midfielder Fran Villalba, according to reports in Spain.
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Valencia's Fran Villalba
Villalba is a product of the Valencia academy and made the step up to the first team last season - featuring once in La Liga.
However, the 18-year-old has failed to kick on this term and has even lost his place in the starting XI for the B Team.
Spanish newspaper El Desmarque claim United are looking to take advantage and are planning a January move for Villalba.
The report says the teenager has a buy-out clause of just £3.6million and the player could be interested in a move.
Villalba will reportedly be placed in United's academy with the view to developing him into a future first-team player.
But United may face competition for the teenager's signature with Barcelona also credited with an interest in the midfielder.
Manchester United fan blasts £89m signing Paul Pogba
Barca's sporting director Robert Fernandez is said to have been tracking Villalba for some time and thinks he could have a future at the Nou Camp.
Villalba is under contract with Valencia until June 2021.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?