Man Utd battle Spurs for 'SPECIAL' Barcelona talent

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 Mar 2024 17:17 GMT
• 4 min read

Manchester United have joined the growing list of Mika Faye's admirers, according to a report.

The Barcelona youngster is enjoying a rapid rise to prominence. Plucked from the Croatian lower leagues last summer, the teenager is yet to feature for the Blaugrana's first team, but he has already played - and scored an absolute scorcher - for Senegal's seniors.

After Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, the 19-year-old is expected to become the latest youngster to make the jump from Barcelona's youth teams to Xavi's squad. Despite his lack of senior minutes, Faye's exploits with Rafa Marquez's Barca Athletic side and now Senegal have already put him on the radar of Europe's elite.

READ MORE: Exclusive - Man Utd turn to Frank and NOT Southgate with Ancelotti out of reach

Given Barcelona's financial situation, many sides are confident of poaching Faye from the Catalans despite the high hopes club officials have for him. According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona rejected a €9 million offer from RC Lens in January because they view Faye as a "special talent."

However, despite this, the LaLiga giants have not yet made a final decision on how to proceed in the summer, according to the transfer expert. It is still unclear whether they will try to keep him around or flip him for profit.

Man Utd enter the race

This uncertainty has piqued the attention of many clubs. After Tottenham were credited with an interest last week, the Daily Mail now claims that Man Utd scouts were in attendance to watch Faye's Senegal debut.

It is asserted that the Red Devils have been tracking the centre-back for the past three months and view him as a potentially cheaper alternative to top target Jarrad Branthwaite. FootballTransfers confirmed last week that Man Utd bosses have made the Everton defender a priority target for the summer.

READ MORE: Man Utd target who FLOPPED at Spurs can unlock Olise transfer

However, it is believed that Faye, who can also play on the left, could offer the club more for less. It is thought that Barcelona will consider offers in the region of €30 million, which would make him a lot cheaper than Branthwaite. Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be pushing for the Senegalese.