Manchester United are reportedly set to renew their interest in Barcelona contract rebel Jordi Alba, who is also a target for Juventus
According to a report by Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have not made any attempts to reach an agreement with contract rebel Jordi Alba over a new long-term deal. The Blaugrana‘s stance provides a boost to Manchester United, who are set to reignite their interest in the Spanish international.
Alba has been one of the pillars on which Barcelona have built their success over the last half-a-decade or so. Having made his way to Camp Nou as a promising quantity, Alba has grown leaps and bounds to establish himself as one of the best full-backs in world football.
But, despite being a key figure at the club, Alba’s future at Barcelona is uncertain, with the Catalans stalling on negotiations over a new deal. His position at Camp Nou is unsurprisingly giving way to a lot of speculation, with Manchester United being heavily linked with a possible move.
The interest from the Premier League heavyweights is not new, with the Red Devils having their sights set on the 29-year-old for quite some time now. But, the fact that Manchester United remain in pursuit of Alba comes as a bit of a surprise, especially with Luke Shaw enjoying a period of resurgence at Old Trafford.
In fact, Shaw’s progress in the first couple of months this season has been so remarkable that he has been rewarded with a bumper new deal. In all this, Manchester United’s interest in the Barcelona contract rebel is somewhat perplexing.
But, one could argue that Alba has the potential of becoming a mentor to Shaw – a mentor whose influence and presence in the Manchester United dressing room could take the English to the next level. The Red Devils though, will not have it easy if they are to swoop the player away from Barcelona.
Juventus are also set to give stiff competition to Manchester United in pursuit of Alba, with Alex Sandro’s future still uncertain. Additionally, Barcelona are set to point towards the Spaniard’s €150 million release clause, which should ideally give both clubs second thoughts over pursuing a move.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are interesting in agreeing fresh terms with Alba, but have been put off by his “unrealistic” demands. The situation does put Manchester United in a promising situation, although the steep release clause does make it a bit sticky.
It now remains to be seen if a move sees the light of the day, or if Alba, who wishes to stay put at Barcelona, ends up remaining at Camp Nou.
