Manchester United have reportedly submitted a £25.4m bid for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Catalan giants during the 2023-24 term, featuring in 42 matches across all competitions.
Lopez has found the net on 11 occasions whilst also providing an assist, proving his ability to score and create from midfield despite his tender age.
Such stellar form for Xavi's side meant that the Barca man was included in Spain's 26-man squad for this summer's Euro 2024 in Germany, where Luis de la Fuente's troops will be looking for continental glory.
Highlighting the speed of his emergence this season, Lopez only made his debut on the international stage earlier this month, when the midfielder played 28 minutes of Spain's 5-0 friendly thrashing of European minnows Andorra.
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Man United 'submit offer' for Barcelona's Lopez
According to Catalan outlet SPORT, Manchester United have made the first move in their highly-ambitious pursuit of Barcelona's Lopez during the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Red Devils have submitted an initial bid of £25.4m for the 21-year-old, who has proven himself in La Liga this season.
It is understood that United head coach Erik ten Hag is a huge admirer of Lopez and his ability to break into the box from midfield to score goals.
Despite their well-documented financial issues, Barcelona are not looking to sell the Spain international this summer, viewing him as a key part of the team's long-term development.
It is believed that an 'unimaginably enormous' offer would have to come in from a potential suitor for the Spanish giants to consider parting ways with Lopez.
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Ten Hag's targets
As well as the emerging Lopez, Man United boss Ten Hag is a massive fan of fellow Barca star Frenkie de Jong, who was heavily linked to the Red Devils during the summer window of 2022.
It was no secret that the former Ajax coach wanted to bring the influential Dutchman to Old Trafford, providing a different option for the engine room.
A move from Barca to United never materialised for the 27-year-old, though, with Ten Hag left wondering what could have been if he had managed to secure one of his favourite players.
Focusing back on Lopez, the 21-year-old could make only his second appearance at Spain, and his first in a competitive match, when La Roja clash with current European champions Italy on Thursday night in Gelsenkirchen.
Carter White
