Manchester United given green light to sign Barcelona forward in statement deal: report

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks with Barcelona boss Xavi.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks with Barcelona boss Xavi. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United are said to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of one of Barcelona's up-and-coming stars.

With the future of Erik ten Hag still uncertain as we approach the end of the season, new minority owners INEOS have wasted no time in sourcing out potential targets.

The Red Devils are expected to listen to offers for a whole host of players come the summer, with defender Raphael Varane already confirming his intentions to leave the club.

WATCH | Why Ten Hag's Man United Can't Defend

Barcelona are said to be willing to listen to offers for teenage forward Vitor Roque and it is Manchester United who are leading the way in their hopes to sign him.

That's according to TEAMtalk, who say the youngster is ready to move on after amassing just 13 appearances for the Catalan giants this season.

Barcelona are likely to want their money back for Roque, who arrived for €50m (£43m) in January but has found opportunities hard to come by under current boss Xavi Hernandez.

Antony, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood could all leave the club later this year which would then leave a huge gaping hole in attack for Man Utd heading into next season.

FourFourTwo understands that Roque isn't a player Manchester United are actively looking to recruit this summer.

Barcelona forward Vitor Roque.

Barcelona forward Vitor Roque. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Roque's agent, Andre Cury, has also been very outspoken on his clients desire to remain in La Liga ahead of next season.

A loan spell away from the club had been mentioned but even that is something Cury has categorically denied in recent weeks.

“To date, 10 million euros have come out of FC Barcelona’s coffers," he told RAC1. "In three or four months they have paid five and now in February they have paid five more. 

"Every six months they have to pay five million until they reach 31 permanently. It is a spectacular operation for Barcelona. I wish all operations were like this.

“At the moment there is a queue of clubs that would be willing to sign Vitor Roque for 50 million and if he is a starter for Barca at 20 years old his price would be 200 million, for sure.”

“Vitor is very happy to have the opportunity to defend the Barcelona shirt. He is very good physically and mentally, and he is waiting for more minutes to prove it on the field. Xavi loves him very much and respects. He will not be loaned anywhere.”

More Manchester United stories

Manchester United star set to leave the club at end of the season, in first exit confirmation under Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United
captain Bruno Fernandes 'preparing' to leave the club after FA Cup final: report

Manchester United
in move for ideal Kobbie Mainoo midfield partner: report

Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.