Barcelona are reportedly interested in securing the services of Manchester United defender Daley Blind. It is being reported that the Catalans are ready to make an offer for the 27-year-old who has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford in this campaign. The Dutch defender has not featured for the Red Devils in the Premier League since September. Blind is about to enter the final six months of his contract and there has been no indication of United offering him a new contract anytime soon.
The former Ajax defender featured regularly for Manchester United last season mainly because of his versatility to play in a number of different positions across the backline. However, he has failed to make a similar kind of impact this time around and has seen limited game time due to Ashley Young’s incredible emergence at left-back and also, because of the amazing form of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.
It is understood that Barcelona are trying to take advantage of the situation by luring him away from Manchester. Some reports in Spain claim that the Catalans are desperate to bolster their defensive options ahead of the January transfer window.
Javier Mascherano is apparently on his way out of Spain after struggling with injuries this season which has left the Catalans short of defensive cover at the back. Some sources are suggesting that Ernesto Valverde is also keeping an eye on Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij.
However, he is set to face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus for the defender’s services. It is being reported that the Catalans are keeping tabs on both players and has sent scouts to watch them in action recently with the January transfer window fast approaching.
Daley Blind has made 12 appearances for the Red Devils in this campaign and has scored a goal and made two assists so far. He is a ball-playing defender who can definitely do a job for Ernesto Valverde’s team. With Barcelona fighting in all four competitions, they need strength in depth in their squad with matches coming up thick and fast. The Dutch defender has also earned 52 international caps for the Netherlands and has scored two goals for his national team so far.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona are able to agree on a deal with Manchester United in pursuit of his signature next month.
