Manchester United’s £36 million bid for midfielder Sergi Roberto has been rejected by Barcelona, reports Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
Having recently become the first manager to spend over £1 billion in transfer fees, Jose Mourinho hadn’t looked to be in the mood to stop when he signed Nemanja Matic for £40 million from Chelsea.
But his plans to splurge on Roberto have allegedly hit a snag.
According to Mundo Deportivo, although the Red Devils met the release clause for the young midfielder, Barcelona are maintaining he is non-transferable and wants to stay.
The 25-year-old Spaniard can play across midfield and at right-back and many argue that he is one of the key players in his team, which makes it all the less surprising that Barcelona seem keen to keep him.
Just last month, they turned down a £30 million bid from Mourinho’s rivals Manchester City, and last year Chelsea too were rejected.
READ MORE: Is Mourinho trying to turn Manchester United into his all-conquering Inter Milan side?
The London side are still reported to be interested.
Manchester United will have reason to believe their persistence could eventually pay off as Barcelona have already signed right-back Nelson Semedo and are looking to strengthen their squad with the enormous funds the Neymar deal provided.
Image courtesy of Sergi Roberto via Instagram, with thanks.
