Manchester United are among a number of Premier League clubs monitoring Dani Olmo, who could leave Barcelona for free next month.
The Catalans signed the midfielder in the summer after a fantastic Euro 2024 campaign for the Spaniard. He moved back to Barcelona, where he started his career, from RB Leipzig. However, following his move, Olmo could only be registered on a temporary basis until the end of the calendar year due to La Liga's ongoing financial constraints for Barcelona.
It means the Spain international could leave as a free agent if the country's football chiefs continue to block his registration for the final part of the season. The Barcelona Commercial Court has rejected their latest appeal to register Olmo.
They now have until December 31 to register Olmo and on December 30 they will file a new lawsuit against La Liga in the Lower Court, Mundo Deportivo reports. However, the uncertainty means those around the 26-year-old have had to make contingency plans and a move to England is a possibility.
United, Manchester City and Arsenal have all shown keen interest in whether the player could be available for free next month. His agent Andy Bara, 42, owner of Niagara Sports Company, flew to Manchester by private jet ahead of City's match with Everton and was due to attend the match, the Daily Mail reports.
Bara played a part in City's £77million deal to sign Josko Gvardiol from Leipzig in 2023. Olmo's priority has always been to stay at Barcelona, his boyhood club, but the lengthy process could force his hand.
United are in great need of reinforcements, while the team is still in the bottom half. Ruben Amorim has arrived, but after a summer of investment there is a lack of money to pursue big players.
City are also likely to show interest with Pep Guardiola's championship team seemingly in decline. Their form has fallen off a cliff in the last two months and their manager admitted that although they usually avoid the January window, they may change their approach.
Barcelona held a meeting on Monday where a contract for the sale of VIP seats was reportedly on the table. The Spanish giants hope the package will sell for around £166 million (€200 million) as they look to raise funds to register Olmo and Victor.
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