Barcelona are reportedly facing stiff competition from AC Milan in pursuit of Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek.
According to a report by Italian outlet Milan Live, Donny van de Beek continues to attract marquee suitors despite his faltering fortunes at Old Trafford. The Manchester United outcast is being courted by AC Milan, who have joined Barcelona in his pursuit.
Donny van de Beek joined Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2019. Having been the marquee arrival in the aforementioned transfer window, the Dutchman had a lot of excitement surrounding him last year, but that has also withered away in the twelve months that have followed.
The 24-year-old is hardly ever utilised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and after a difficult maiden season with Manchester United, he has managed just 144 minutes of action this term. With his career headed nowhere as things stand, a January exit would stand to benefit van de Beek a great deal. And there is no shortage of suitors in his pursuit, with Barcelona and AC Milan tailing the Manchester United outcast.
Barcelona are reportedly touted to be eyeing a potential loan move for van de Beek, whose decision to change agents is believed to have come as a boost for the Blaugrana. The interest in the Dutch international makes sense, considering Sergio Busquets is in the twilight of his career.
Beyond Frenkie de Jong, several talented youngsters are a part of the first-team setup, but their treatment needs to be careful to avoid the risk of burnout. With that in mind, van de Beek is a viable target for Barcelona. On the other hand, AC Milan are set to lose out on Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie for a month in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
In addition, with Kessie also facing an uncertain situation at San Siro, van de Beek could be the ideal long-term solution. So, it is understandable why AC Milan are keen on signing van de Beek. The Serie A giants are looking to engineer a deal similar to the one that saw Diogo Dalot arrive from Manchester United on loan last year.
However, Barcelona and AC Milan are also facing competition from Juventus, who are eager to make a midfield reinforcement for a second successive transfer window. So, it remains to be seen where van de Beek heads off to this winter, with widespread reports claiming he is intent on sealing an exit from Manchester United in January.
