According to reports, Manchester United could also be looking at changing its roster.
After their disastrous run, the Red Devils are gradually getting back on track under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management. The Athletic reported that Manchester United and Lokomotiv Moscow reached an agreement for Ralf Rangnick, the head of Russian sports and development, to relocate to Old Trafford as interim managers.
Rangnick is nearing his arrival at Old Trafford. Manchester United identified Ousmane Dembale’s transfer to Barcelona as a priority, Spanish outlet Mundo deportivo reported. International Business Times was unable to verify the information.
According to the report, Dembele had been offered a deal by Barca that was as attractive as any offer the La Liga side could make given its current circumstances. But it was not enough to convince Dembele and his representative.
According to the outlet, Dembele is being persuaded to stay by Xavi Hernandez, the new manager of Barcelona.
Manchester United is rumored to be monitoring Dembele’s progress since the club failed to sign him from Barca last summer. According to the report, Manchester United has made Dembele one of its “main objectives” next season and has not lost interest in him.
The report mentioned Newcastle United among other clubs interested in Dembele, along with Manchester United. According to reports, the Magpies have submitted a bid for around EUR15million ($16.9m) and another EUR15million ($16.9m) as a signing bonus.
Newcastle United is yet to sign Dembele, as Moussa Sisoko, the player’s agent, isn’t satisfied with the offer and has “started listening to offers from other clubs,” Sports reported.
Xavi addressed the situation of the Barcelona star and said that he had let Dembele “how important” he was to the club’s future. However, the manager admitted that the final decision would be made by the player.
“I had an individual conversation with him,” Xavi stated Friday. I made it clear to him that he was important for me and for the future. It all depends on him. He’s a player who can make a difference over the next few years, so it’s possible that he will renew.
Barca boss Luis Rodriguez also stressed that no of his players are currently on the market.
The coach said, “We need them.” “They are players who are actively playing, and none of them can be sold.”
The current agreement between Dembele and Barcelona expires on June 30.