Manchester United have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Amadou Onana, with Barcelona unable to meet Everton's asking price for the midfielder.
The 22-year-old has again been an important player for the Toffees during the 2023-24 campaign, making 25 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist in the process.
Onana has a contract at Goodison Park until June 2027, but he is widely expected to leave Goodison Park during this summer's transfer window.
Man United continue to be credited with an interest in the Belgium international, but there have also been claims that Barcelona are keen on his services.
According to The Sun, Barcelona want to compete for Onana's signature, but the Catalan outfit can only afford to pay £34m, which is short of Everton's £51m asking price.
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Arsenal and Chelsea have also previously been linked with the Belgian, but it is believed that the strongest interest at this moment in time is coming from Man United.
Onana arrived at Everton in August 2022 off the back of scoring three goals and registering one assist in 42 appearances for French outfit Lille.
The midfielder, who started his professional career with Hoffenheim, has now turned out for the Toffees on 60 occasions, scoring three goals and registering three assists.
Man United are likely to overhaul their midfield department this summer, with incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe preparing to make big changes.
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A permanent deal for Sofyan Amrabat is unlikely to be pursued, with the Morocco international struggling to impress since arriving on loan from Fiorentina last summer.
Meanwhile, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could both be sold as part of a rebuild at Old Trafford, with two central midfielders possibly arriving during the upcoming market.
A recent report claimed that Man United are keeping a close eye on Frenkie de Jong's situation at Barcelona in the event that he becomes available for transfer this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are both seen as a vital part of the club's plans moving forward in terms of the midfield department, while Mason Mount will also look to put his injury problems behind him next season.
The club will have to make a decision on Scott McTominay, meanwhile, with the Scot scoring seven Premier League goals this season, but he is not considered to be a starter by head coach Erik ten Hag.
Matt Law
