Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the agent of Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba over a possible move to Old Trafford next summer.
Alba has just 18 months remaining on his current contract at Camp Nou, and last month Barcelona revealed that renewing the deal is not a priority for them.
The Spanish giants are expected to open negotiations with the 29-year-old at some stage, but Mundo Deportivo reports that their stalling has encouraged other teams to try to swoop in.
United are understood to have told Alba's agent Vicente Fores that they would be interested in bringing him to the Premier League, with manager Jose Mourinho still searching for left-back reinforcements despite the improved form of Luke Shaw.
However, the Red Devils could face competition from Italian giants Juventus - whom they face in the Champions League on Wednesday night - for the signature of the Spain international.
Alba is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football, having scored two goals and created seven more in 16 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions this season.
Barney Corkhill
