Manchester United will have to act fast if they are to sign a young defensive talent in the form of FC Barcelona’s Mikayil Faye.
Over the past season, Man United suffered an injury crisis, with several centre-backs falling foul of injury setbacks.
Lisandro Martinez suffered a significantly curtailed season after recovering from foot surgery, followed by a knee injury and then a calf strain. Harry Maguire also spent some time out with a groin injury, while Raphael Varane also suffered several bouts on the sideline before departing United following their FA Cup triumph.
Given these many injury concerns and the questionable longevity of an ageing Jonny Evans, it makes sense for United to rebuild their defence with some young, upcoming centre-backs.
Just one prime example of a young talent who could serve the club for years to come is the 19-year-old Faye.
Back in March, it was reported that United had been scouting Faye for three months already. The Senegalese teenager has been playing for Barcelona’s reserve team, having moved to the Catalan club from NK Kustosija in Croatia last summer.
Earlier this month, The Peoples Person relayed that United had received a major boost in their pursuit of the youngster as it appeared that Faye would be willing to leave Barcelona.
Given the huge supply of centre-backs at the club, Faye is ready to leave in search of more playing opportunities.
Still, United’s pursuit of the promising young defender may not be so straightforward given that several other clubs have also taken note of his talent.
Arsenal are believed to have enquired as to his availability, with FC Porto also homing in on the player.
Porto appear to have gone a step further than United and Arsenal in their pursuit of the Senegalese defender, with the Portuguese club preparing a €15 million bid.
Clearly aware of the interest that the player has generated, Barcelona appear unwilling to allow Faye to depart for a bargain price.
Fabrizio Romano revealed during his Daily Briefing that the aforementioned sum would not be sufficient for Porto to land Faye’s signature.
“With Faye, Barcelona have not received an offer they consider large enough to allow him to leave from Porto, but by no means is the matter done. A fee of €15m has been discussed for Faye. Conversations are ongoing for the Senegalese international, who had a promising season at Barca Atletic,” Romano explained.
Should United wish to pursue Faye further, they would need to understand that they may end up paying more than wish to, particularly as a bidding war for the 19-year-old appears inevitable.
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