Premier League side Manchester United have joined a long list of clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona forward Vitor Roque, claims Mundo Deportivo.
As per reports, Barcelona had paid a €40 million fixed fee for the youngster back in January but if the variable payments are included then the deal could go up to around €60 million. Such a big winter signing obviously received a lot of hype but so far, the 19-year-old has struggled to make a mark.
There have been talks about letting Vitor Roque leave on a loan deal and even Xavi has hinted that the Brazilian could be allowed to leave so that he can get game time under his belt.
“We have not decided anything yet[on whether Vitor will leave on loan],” Xavi said recently.
“We will decide at the end of the season what is best for everyone. It is not easy to arrive from Brazil. He needs time and adaptation. At the end of the season, we will decide.”
With Anthony Martial set to leave, Man United are now looking to bring in a new centre-forward who can support Rasmus Hojlund next season however, the EPL side will have to compete with the likes of Betis, Nice and Sevilla all of whom want to sign the youngster on loan.
Will Barcelona allow Vitor Roque to join Man United or some other club?
Vitor Roque has endured a very challenging first season because, since his move to the Camp Nou, the 19-year-old has started in only two La Liga games and he’s been on the pitch for a total of just 276 league minutes.
A loan move would make sense because Roque can get some game time and experience under his belt but as per rumours, the forward wants to stick around and prove his worth at Barcelona instead of going to a new club.
Robert Lewandowski is the first-choice striker for Barcelona and the Polish international has made it very clear that he is not planning to leave in the summer.
He has revealed: “Leaving Barca this summer is definitely not possible, it’s not a topic. I physically feel good. This is the case for at least two more years. When I’m physically no longer at a top level, I’d start thinking.”
If Barcelona are not forced into selling Lewa due to their financial troubles then Vitor Roque will once again struggle to get starts. Also, if Barca do cash in on Lewandowski even then they will go out and sign a more experienced striker as a direct replacement.
Barcelona have paid a lot of money for the 19-year-old Brazilian but unless Lewandowski picks up an untimely injury, Vitor is not going to move up the pecking order next campaign. Manchester United do have a fairly good chance of landing him on a one-year loan deal but it would make much more sense if the club invests in a permanent signing who can play backup to Hojlund.
