Manchester United have been alerted by the availability of former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra as current club Borussia Dortmund consider selling him
Manchester United are looking at the possibility of trying to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Marc Bartra, who could be made available for transfer, according to reports from Spanish outlet Marca.
The 27-year old moved to the German outfit from Barcelona back in the summer of 2016 in a £7 million deal and had established himself as a key member of the side in his debut campaign with the club, making 31 appearances across all competitions, in which he produced a return of one goal and four assists.
Bartra started the 2017/18 campaign as the first-choice, but has seen game time significantly reduce since Peter Stoger took charge of the club, following the sacking of Peter Bosz. The Spanish defender has made 20 appearances so far this season in all competitions, scoring four times. However, he hasn’t featured in a single league game since the second week of December.
And with the former Barcelona man not likely to be involved much going further, it is understood that Dortmund are considering the possibility of allowing him to leave. This development has put several clubs on alert including the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus.
Manchester United are on red alert with Borussia Dortmund considering selling centre-back Marc Bartra. (Source: Sunday Mirror) pic.twitter.com/DRz1WRYO0v
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 28, 2018
Manchester United were heavily linked with the Barcelona academy graduate even in the summer transfer window, but eventually ended up bringing in Victor Lindelof from SL Benfica in a £30.75 million move. But, the Swedish defender has found it tough going at his new club and hasn’t been involved a great deal in the first team so far.
Manchester United will, however, have to face stern competition from Spanish La Liga outfit Real Betis in their pursuit of Bartra. It is understood that Real Betis manager Quique Setien is very much interested in landing the 27-year old and the club have already made initial contacts with Dortmund over the possibility of a temporary or a permanent move for the defender.
It is believed that the good relations between Betis’ vice-president Lorenzo Serra Ferrer and Bartra’s representatives gives the Spanish club a huge advantage over the rest of their competitors. Bartra, given his experience at this level, would be more than a decent addition to any club he would join.
However, it remains to be seen if Manchester United are seriously considering the option of bringing him in, considering that the club already have the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and the aforementioned Lindelof in their ranks, with exciting young prospects like Axel Tuanzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah also waiting in the wings.
