Barcelona win race for Manchester United target

 

Barcelona will make Sevilla centre-back Clement Lenglet their first signing of the summer, reports Marca.

 

The La Liga champions identified Lenglet as a top transfer target at the end of last season and have fended off interest from Manchester United.

 

Jose Mourinho earmarked Lenglet as a cheaper alternative to Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld but will have to return to the drawing board.

 

Lenglet delayed a decision on his future to talk to new Sevilla manager Pablo Machin and has now given the greenlight to joining Barcelona.

 

Ernesto Valverde’s side were dealt a blow after being snubbed by Antoine Griezmann at the start of the 2018 World Cup but intend to sign Lenglet next week.

 

Barcelona win race for Manchester United target

 

Barcelona will pay Lenglet’s €35m release clause at the start of July and hope to wrap up a deal for the France U21 international as quickly as possible.

 

Lenglet only joined Sevilla in January 2017 but has been identified as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique.

 

No player managed minutes for Sevilla in La Liga than Lenglet (3002) last season, while the 23-year-old also netted three times.