Manchester United have reportedly been handed a major blow in pursuit of Dani Olmo, who would prefer joining Barcelona instead.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Manchester United could be forced to end their interest in Dani Olmo. The 23-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder favours a move to Barcelona, even though the Red Devils are prepared to offer him better terms.
Dani Olmo joined RB Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2020 and has continued his upward trajectory at the Red Bull Arena. The former Barcelona trainee, who left the Catalan club as a 16-year-old to make his way to Croatia, has come a long way in the last eight years or so.
Now a regular feature for the Spanish national side, the 24-year-old is also a mainstay for Leipzig, and has gone on to feature 64 times for the Bundesliga giants while chipping in with 12 goals and 14 assists along the way. His continued progress has kept a number of big clubs interested in him, with Barcelona and Manchester United, in particular, being hot on his trails.
Barcelona, in fact, attempted to sign Olmo late in the summer transfer window as well before a deadline day move failed to materialise. The interest in the Spanish international, though, has not waned since then, with the Blaugrana becoming even more determined to secure his services, possibly even in the January transfer window.
In fact, it has been suggested that Barcelona are now prioritising a move for the 24-year-old, which makes sense, considering he could be a solution in midfield as well as attack. The Catalan giants, though, have been facing stiff competition from Manchester United in the race to sign Olmo.
The interest from Manchester United does make sense amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of Paul Pogba. With the French international being a pivotal figure for the Red Devils, it is imperative that they look to replace him with a top class midfielder, making the equally versatile Olmo a viable target.
However, Manchester United have now been handed a major blow in pursuit of Olmo, who prefers a move to Barcelona ahead of any other club. This despite the fact that the Premier League heavyweights are prepared to offer him better terms.
With that in mind, it looks like Manchester United will need to turn their attention elsewhere in their search for a potential replacement for Pogba, with Olmo only likely to become available in case Barcelona are unable to make their move for him.
