Manchester United have identified Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a key summer target after reportedly deciding to hand Michael Carrick the permanent managerial role, in a deal that could see PSG demand around €100million (£86m / $116m), according to a sensational report.
United are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer, with plans to sign a left winger, two central midfielders, a left-back and possibly a centre-back.
The club are in need of wide reinforcements following the departure of players such as Alejandro Garnacho and Antony at former manager Ruben Amorim’s request, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are also expected to leave permanently at the end of the season.
Amorim previously preferred a 3-4-2-1 system built around wing-backs, while United have since returned to using traditional wingers under interim boss Carrick.
As a result, the Red Devils have been linked with several top attacking wide players as they look to reshape their frontline, with Barcola now emerging as a leading option.
According to new reports in Spain, United are ‘preparing’ to make Barcola their next ‘big signing’.
INEOS recruitment chiefs have ‘set their sights’ on the Ligue 1 star, identifying him as the ‘centrepiece’ of their summer rebuild.
Barcola’s rapid rise in France has made him a ‘top priority’ for United, who see him as a potential replacement for Rashford, who agreed personal terms with loan club Barcelona on March 1.
The French international remains one of PSG’s most important assets, and reports suggest he carries a significant valuation, with the club unwilling to sanction an easy departure.
Barcola has been in strong form recently, scoring in each of PSG’s last three league matches after earlier rotation issues this season.
This is not the first time United have been linked with the winger, with another journalist claiming just days ago that he is the ‘standout option’ in their search for reinforcements.
It has also been reported that Liverpool have seen approaches for both Barcola and Désiré Doué rejected by PSG.
However, PSG are believed to view the 23-year-old as central to their long-term project, making any move from the Premier League extremely difficult.
The report further claims United officials have ‘decided to confirm’ Carrick as permanent manager following his interim spell.
That decision is said to have accelerated transfer planning, with Barcola firmly in their thinking despite the expected difficulty of any potential deal.
However, the managerial situation remains open, with previous indications that United’s hierarchy will assess elite candidates before making a final decision at the end of the season.
