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If Manchester United’s interest in Fermín Lopez is genuine, they may have to act now, or risk losing him to their City rivals.
Back in May, reports relayed by The Peoples Person revealed that United had placed a €30 million (£25.8 million) bid for the Barcelona midfielder, only to see it rebuffed.
The La Liga champions were holding out for €50 million (£43 million).
Barcelona open to offers for Lopez
United never returned with an improved bid.
However, recent reports suggesting that Barcelona, due to their tricky financial situation, are now open to cashing in on Lopez should have caught their attention.
It would not have surprised many had United submitted a second, improved offer.
Even so, just as fans were anticipating movement, a worrying update has emerged.
Guardiola steps in
Pep Guardiola is said to be pushing hard for Lopez, reportedly identifying him as a priority to refresh Manchester City’s midfield, according to Madrid-Barcelona.com.
The report claims that in Catalonia, the Cityzens are seen as a serious option to land the 22-year-old.
They have already tabled a tempting proposal to lure him away from Camp Nou.
With Guardiola viewing the United target as the ideal blend of intensity, technique, and winning mentality, it is claimed he has promised Lopez a starting role from day one.
The Spaniard’s camp is now calmly evaluating the offer.
Will INEOS act?
While City believe Lopez can take the next big leap in his career under Guardiola, INEOS will be hoping they still have a chance to land him.
They may need to offer assurances, both in terms of playing time and a strategic role in their project.
Still, without Champions League football, one has to wonder whether United can truly convince the fast-rising Andalusian, who has just come off a season with eight goals and 10 assists.
Would he reject a winning project to become a key figure in United’s rebuild under Rúben Amorim?
With Amorim keen on adding an athletic midfielder, few would argue that Lopez, who never hides and plays with intensity, is not the ideal candidate.
Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images
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