Why West Ham lead Barcelona in Januzaj chase
It wasn't a million years ago that Adnan Januzaj was heralded as the next talented youngster to come off the Manchester United production line and make his mark in a post-Alex Ferguson era.
The 18-year-old Januzaj burst onto the scene in October 2013, making his first United league start and scoring two in a comeback victory over Sunderland.
His reward for a fine first season was a bumper five-year contract under Ferguson replacement David Moyes, and the future looked sorted for the man from Brussels, Belgium.
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But then Moyes was sacked, and new manager Louis Van Gaal began using Januzaj less often.
And from there, the career of the talented teen, who was considered part of Belgium's 'golden generation', began to unravel.
West Ham and Barcelona target Januzaj
But Januzaj, now 26 years old, has emerged as a target for both Barcelona and West Ham - managed by his former manager Moyes.
He was sold from United to Real Sociedad by Jose Mourinho in 2017, following two disappointing loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and then Sunderland.
Januzaj has become a pivotal part of a side who have enjoyed a superb start to the season, sitting third in La Liga.
He has started every game for the club this term, scoring twice in his 25 appearances.
But, Januzaj has rejected Sociedad's latest offer on a new contract, with his current deal due to expire in the coming summer.
West Ham have the edge
That means he is free to speak to clubs in January, and both Barca and the Hammers are confident of snapping him up on a free transfer.
West Ham will be confident of having the edge over the Blaugrana with manager Moyes' history with the player likely to influence the player's decision.
Moyes gave Januzaj his debut in 2013 and took him on a season-long loan when he was in charge at Sunderland in 2016.
And that relationship between the two could prove pivotal on where Januzaj ends up.
However, Barca head coach Xavi is said to be a big fan of the man who has played 13 times for his country.
