Barcelona give Manchester United permission to speak to cheap defensive target

There appears to be some rare good news for Louis van Gaal this morning.

The Manchester United boss saw his side slip to a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last night in the opening leg of their Europa League tie. United's issues were not totally at the back, despite Michael Carrick's woeful attempt at a clearance for Roberto Firmino's goal. However, there may be some rearguard reinforcements on their way according to The Sun. The newspaper suggests that Barcelona's Marc Bartra has been told by Luis Enrique that he has no future at the club, and can leave in the summer. The 25-year-old is highly rated, and could be pursued by a number of other European clubs, but it is expected he would prefer a move to the Premier League. Manchester United are at the top of the queue for his signature, but Tottenham could also be in line to pursue him for a bargain £10million Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez hinted that if the player does leave, a buy-back clause will be inserted into his contract to allow him to return to La Liga.

"For us anyway, Bartra is a major player. He will always be in our plans and future ideas. “He was born and raised in our home, but his personal situation could lead to a separation from the club.”