Erik ten Hag ‘in love’ with player – Manchester United ‘greatest threat’ to Barcelona for signing

Three days ago, AS stated Manchester United would study the possibility of paying Martín Zubimendi’s €60m release clause.

Monday’s Mundo Deportivo explains the La Liga side are ‘perfectly aware’ of the Red Devils’ United’s ‘strong interest’ in signing the midfielder.

Manchester United’s interest in the 23-year-old was reinforced after watching him live in action in the two Europa League matches against La Real this campaign. They are the second top European club to set their sights on him after Barcelona.

It’s said both Erik ten Hag and Xavi Hernández are ‘in love’ with the Spain international’s displays and his qualities.

Barcelona will have to find a way to manage their finances to take the star away from the San Sebastian club. However, the €60m clause won’t be an issue for Manchester United as the newspaper states they seem to pose the ‘greatest threat’.

Despite this, Real Sociedad are calm and don’t expect any movements with Zubimendi in the winter market. They are confident his will is to continue at the club to help them win a trophy this term and qualify for the Champions League next season.

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay insists the Spaniard wants to stay with them and stressed the €60m price tag is “a lot of money” for his suitors.

“[Zubimendi] has had many opportunities to leave, but he wants to stay at Real and is a fundamental pillar. If the player wants to leave, I am not very much in favour of him staying,” Mundo Deportivo quoted Aperribay as saying.

The Spanish club’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe, has insisted Zubimendi signing a new deal [until 2027] in October shows he has expressed his desire to continue at La Real.

Olabe added “we are happy and calm” with the situation around the player.