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Manchester United are said to be eyeing an ambitious swoop for Barcelona midfielder Fermín López, though the La Liga table-toppers are unlikely to make any such deal straightforward.
Although United splashed significant funds on midfield additions Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans over the summer, their disappointing early-season form has fuelled speculation that the Red Devils may need to revisit the transfer market in pursuit of greater quality.
According to the Daily Mail, that search has brought them to Fermín. The 23-year-old registered 13 goals and 17 assists across all competitions last campaign and looks set to surpass those figures this term, having already contributed five goals and four assists.
An inventive, box-to-box dynamo, Fermín appears to be viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes. The club captain's contract expires at the end of the season, though it does contain an option to extend by a further 12 months.
The report values Fermín at around £70 million ($94 million), though even that figure may fall short of persuading Barcelona to enter negotiations.
Fermín 'Absolutely Untouchable' at Barcelona
Fermín has been the focus of considerable transfer chatter in recent weeks, with reports indicating clubs from across the continent are keeping a close eye on his standing at Camp Nou. Chelsea have been long-standing admirers after seeing a €40 million ($45 million) bid rejected last summer.
Despite the ongoing rumours, Fabrizio Romano maintains there is absolutely no uncertainty surrounding Fermín's future at Barcelona, with club officials firmly insisting he remains a cornerstone of both their current and future plans.
Crucially, Fermín is also reported to be extremely content at Camp Nou, having recently put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with the La Liga leaders.
The report further states that Fermín will "100%" stay at Barcelona.
Alternative Targets for Man Utd
If Fermín is indeed being considered as Fernandes' successor, United look set to be forced into exploring other avenues.
Should the budget stretch far enough to contemplate a move for Fermín, United would have no shortage of alternatives. Among the more realistic options could be Como's Nico Paz or Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White.
Reports have indicated that Fermín's Barcelona teammate Dani Olmo could become available at the end of the season if he continues to play second fiddle to the 23-year-old, with the Blaugrana potentially open to selling a high-profile name to generate funds for new recruits.
For those at United seeking a younger profile, 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza has emerged as the latest standout talent at Bayer Leverkusen, while 21-year-old Johan Manzambi of Aston Villa continues to attract interest from numerous top clubs.