Day: December 15, 2017

Barcelona’s manager Ernesto Valverde is eyeing a shock move for Manchester United utility player, Daley Blind.

The Catalans are bracing themselves for the departure of Javier Mascherano who wants to leave in search of more playing time.

Blind who joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2014 has fallen down the perking order since Jose Mourinho became manager last season, and his current deal which expires next summer is unlikely going to be renewed.

Blind’s versatility is said to have impressed the Barcelona’s board and their manager who believe he can fill the void left by Mascherano when the Argentine finally leaves.

Real Soceidad’s Inigo Martinez and Stefan de Vrij of Lazio are also interesting the Catalans, but Blind’s potential status as a free agent next season makes him more appealing.

De Vrij is also into the final seven months of his current deal with Lazio but he is more than happy at the Italian capital and has repeatedly talked about only looking forward to signing a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Martinez is Valverde’s first choice, but with the club likely to spend heavily on Philippe Coutinho next summer, they may not be able to bankroll a move for the Spaniard.