Manchester United laying the groundwork to sign Barcelona target in the summer - Reports

Manchester United are reportedly laying the groundwork to secure the signature of Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren in the summer ahead of clubs like Barcelona. As claimed by Football Insider, the Red Devils are in regular touch with the teenage prodigy as well as his club Royal Antwerp as they eye a summer deal.

As per the aforementioned report, Royal Antwerp want £25 million upfront for their priced asset but the fee could reach £50 million with bonuses and add-ons.

However, Manchester United are expected to face plenty of competition for the Vermeeren's signature. Apart from the Red Devils, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur have also been strongly linked with the youngster's signature.

Aged just 18, Vermeeren has already established himself as a key player for Royal Antwerp and has also been capped for Belgium already. The young midfielder has already made 65 appearances for his club, contributing with three goals and eight assists.

As per Football Insider, Manchester United could take advantage of their long-standing relationship with Royal Antwerp since the Sir Alex Ferguson era. The Belgian side loaned as many as 33 players from the Red Devils between 1998 and 2013 including players like Tom Heaton, John O’Shea, and Jonny Evans.

Manchester United have endured a difficult season this time around and could do with additions in the middle of the park. Vermeeren is destined for the top and has also been hailed as the 'Next Kevin De Bruyne' which speaks volumes regarding his potential.

---

Barcelona offered the chance to sign former Manchester United star

Barcelona have reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard. As per Spanish outlet Sport, the Blaugrana are eyeing additions this month having seen their midfield depleted by injury problems.

With Gavi and Pedri both sidelined through injury, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is understood to be keen on adding a new midfielder to his side. And it has been claimed that Jesse Lingard has been offered to the Catalan giants.

Lingard remains a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest last summer. He spent 22 years in the Red Devils' ranks before heading to Forest last season. The England international made 232 appearances for the Red Devils across competitions, scoring 35 goals and producing 21 assists.

Lingard's best season, however, came when he was on loan at West Ham United in the 2020-21 campaign. He scored nine goals and provided five assists in 16 games across competitions during his time under David Moyes.