MX23RW : Wednesday, May 15 03:23:35| >> :120:13872:13872:

Manchester United aiming to hijack Barcelona move for Vitor Roque?

Man United aiming to hijack Barcelona move for Vitor Roque?
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly making a late effort to beat Barcelona in the race to sign Athletico Paranaense youngster Vitor Roque.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Athletico Paranaense youngster Vitor Roque.

Last week, it was widely reportedly that Erik ten Hag was close to acquiring the services of Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount on a long-term deal.

However, while that would tick one of his boxes for this summer's transfer window, it is unclear how much leeway that United have to spend on other players.

A recent report claimed that United have a budget of £65m to spend on a new striker, something which is regarded as a top priority for Ten Hag ahead of 2023-24.

Wout Weghorst has already returned to Burnley, while Anthony Martial has reportedly been made available for transfer after another injury-hit campaign.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the match on May 4, 2023© Reuters

Nevertheless, £65m would not be enough to make the statement signing that Ten Hag craves, with the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund said to be valued in excess of that figure.

That said, according to reports in Spain, United have identified a different way of resolving their issues down the centre of their attack.

Club officials have allegedly made contact with the representatives of Roque in a bid to convince the 18-year-old to move to Old Trafford rather than Barcelona.

The La Liga champions have been deemed to be favourites to sign the teenager for some time, albeit on a deal that would start in January or July 2024.

Athletico Paranaense's Vitor Roque celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on June 21, 2023© Reuters

Roque has also publicly acknowledged in the past that he is in favour a switch to the Catalan giants, yet much may depend on when Barceloan can afford to complete a transfer.

The report suggests that a deal worth €35m (£30.1m) plus €10m (£8.6m) is already in place, but United have seemingly made an effort to rival that proposal.

Roque, already a full Brazil international, is enjoying a fine campaign, contributing seven goals and two assists from 13 outings in Brasileirao since the turn of the year.

Just under four years remain on his contract at Athletico Paranaense, something which theoretically gives Barcelona extra leeway if they wish to convince the Brazilian outfit to reject any offers from elsewhere.

ID:517579:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4844:

Click here for more stories about Vitor Roque

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
 Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023
Read Next:
Man United 'preparing improved £40m bid for Rasmus Hojlund'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle361761379572257
7Chelsea361691173611257
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd36166145256-454
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton361212125458-448
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!