Sergi Roberto has already strongly been linked with Manchester City this summer, with the Catalan press pushing the story more than anyone.
Now it’s the turn of Manchester United to be strongly linked to the 25 year old, with Antonio Conte’s Chelsea thrown in for added drama. Catalan newspaper Munco Deportivo say Manchester United have made a ‘first offer’ for Roberto of €40m.
It’s conceded the offer to move to Old Trafford is ‘tempting’ but Barcelona have ruled out a sale completely, with Mundo Deportivo saying the player’s exit isn’t under consideration.
The Catalan newspaper have also spoken to Roberto’s entourage, and they gave a very non-committal answer saying everything is open until the close of the transfer window.
However, and this may be the point of the story, this is very much described as a battle Manchester United will lose, their offer has been rejected, and Barcelona don’t want to sell.
Furthermore, Sergi Roberto’s dream is to be an important player for Barcelona, and there’s an increasing chance of that, believe Mundo Deportivo.
It all feels like an operation to strengthen Roberto’s stance at Barcelona, and that’s likelier to be the Catalan press acting independently, rather than the player’s representatives trying to push the story.