Manchester United will be in the market for centre backs this summer and another left-footer is actually becoming an increasing priority.
United fans have wanted a new centre back for a while, but had focused the attention on another right-footer.
The idea was to find the long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans hardly fitting that bill.
However, Martinez has picked up repeated injuries this season and has only managed seven Premier League starts this term.
United don’t have a like-for-like replacement and finding another left-footer to offer cover and competition for Martinez is now a necessity.
We have seen links towards Jarrad Branthwaite but United’s valuation is allegedly £25million shy of Everton’s asking price.
United could look elsewhere as a result and one intriguing target emerged in March.
Barcelona hold meeting over Manchester United target Mikayil Faye
Reports suggested that United have been watching Barcelona talent Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer move.
United even scouted Faye in action for Senegal against Gabon and have been on his case for three months now.
Faye, 19, has yet to make his Barcelona debut since joining from Croatian side NK Kustosija last summer.
An exciting talent who can play at centre back or left back, Faye is the kind of prospect United may well want as cover for Martinez.
SPORT now claim that Barcelona sporting director Deco has held a meeting with Miquel Olmo, the father of RB Leipzig ace Dani Olmo.
Barcelona aren’t trying to re-sign the Spaniard but his father is involved in the company who represent Faye.
It’s stated that Barca want to keep Faye happy and want to make sure that he doesn’t chase a summer transfer.
Deco met with Olmo to try and lock down Faye, leaving United’s hopes of a summer deal to dwindle – at least for now.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
Ineos like Faye
Hailed as ‘very explosive’, Faye will need first-team prospects at Barcelona or he will take his talents elsewhere.
United will surely keep tabs on Faye and that’s because Ineos appear to be big fans of the Senegal teenager.
Nice – one of the two teams alongside United in the Ineos group now – launched a £13million bid to sign Faye in January.
Barcelona said no but Ineos are seemingly considering trying their luck again, this time trying to lure him to United.
Deco seemingly realises that the lure of United could tempt Faye away from Barca.
That’s why this meeting has taken place, but with United also keen on Olmo, maybe his father will fancy the idea of pairing him up with Faye at Old Trafford down the line.