Barcelona have made 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casado available for transfer, handing Manchester United a late-window opportunity to bolster their squad.
The Spanish midfielder has slipped down the pecking order at Camp Nou, with manager Hansi Flick no longer considering him a prominent part of his plans.
Casado would prefer to remain in one of Europe’s leading leagues rather than accept offers from Saudi Arabia, giving United a potential advantage in any pursuit.
The player’s frustration deepened after he was informed he would not continue with the club’s pre-season friendlies this summer.
Since then, Casado has trained alongside the group of players Barcelona are looking to move on, a measure designed to reduce injury risk while his future is resolved.
His pathway to regular first-team football has become increasingly complicated following Barcelona’s midfield recruitment, raising the likelihood of a departure before the transfer deadline.
Earlier in the summer, the La Masia graduate could have been sold to help balance the books, but the club considered the offers below the required level and delayed any agreement.
With money already brought in elsewhere in recent days, Barcelona’s urgency to sell has softened, though United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign him.
Manager Michael Carrick has already brought in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer but is still seeking additional depth as United prepare for a return to Champions League football.
The Times reports that Carrick still wants another central midfielder despite being pleased with United’s summer business so far.
At around €30 million, Casado is technically secure and comfortable receiving possession in deeper areas, with the energy and mobility to suit Carrick’s midfield structure.
The key question surrounding any potential deal remains whether United need another developing midfielder or someone more immediately established at the highest level.