Manchester United have tested the possibility of signing Barcelona wonderkid Vitor Roque during this summer’s transfer window, according to AS.
The Brazilian arrived at the Catalan giants from Athletico Paranaense at the start of the year, but he has yet to become a regular under manager Xavi Hernandez.
The 19-year-old has played only 310 minutes in all competitions thus far. He has been an unused substitute in each of the last three La Liga games.
AS now report that the striker’s situation is like a volcano which is about to explode. His entourage are scheduled to meet with the Blaugrana very soon.
Barcelona are open to sending Roque out on loan next term, but the player’s camp either want him to play for the club or leave on a permanent basis.
Amidst this, United are aiming to capitalise on the situation. It is reported that there could be a facelift under INEOS with a number of players heading out.
The new management want Roque to accompany Rasmus Hojlund in the frontline next season.
United may not pursue deal for Roque despite speculation
Roque was signed by the Blaugrana for a fixed fee of €30 million plus €31m in add-ons. However, they have yet to pay a single penny to Paranaense for his transfer.
As a result, La Liga are unlikely to allow the youngster’s registration for next season. It is a prime reason why the club are open to loaning him out to another European club.
However, the player’s entourage prefer a permanent transfer instead. In our opinion, United are unlikely to make a huge outlay to purchase the teenager from Barcelona.
Roque is obviously very talented and has huge potential, but he is only 172cms in height. Ten Hag tends to prefer centre-forwards, who are physically and aerially strong.
If United were to sign a new striker, they could also look into a cost-effective and experienced recruit.
Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy comes to our mind. The 28-year-old has been in fantastic form for Stuttgart this campaign with 27 goals from just 28 games in all competitions.
He has a low release clause of €17.5m in his contract. United were ‘very close‘ to signing him in January and could revive their interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
Signing Guirassy would be a much better solution than spending €61m on Roque, who is very inexperienced on the European stage and needs more time to develop.
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