Manchester United suffer transfer blow as teenage target is 'not available this summer'

The 19-year-old arrived at the Catalan team from Croatian outfit NK Kustosija last July, and he has featured on 28 occasions for Barcelona B this season, finding the back of the net four times.

Faye, who scored on his Senegal debut in March, is yet to make a first-team appearance for Barcelona, but he has been on the bench for three of their last five La Liga matches.

Manchester United are believed to be keen on the teenager, with the Red Devils expected to sign two new centre-backs during this summer's transfer window.

A recent report claimed that Faye could be available for between €15m (£12.9m) and €20m (£17.1m) in the upcoming market, with Barcelona under pressure to make some sales due their financial issues.

Barcelona 'not prepared to sell Mikayil Faye this summer'

However, according to AS, Barcelona have now made it clear that the defender is not available for transfer during this summer's window.

The report claims that Faye is one of five players deemed by the Catalan outfit to be 'non-transferable', with Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri also on that list.

Faye will allegedly be handed a first-team squad number for next season and is expected to have the opportunity to break into the defence in 2024-25.

Barcelona are said to be confident that the youngster will become 'a very importany asset', and he is set to be handed a new contract to ward off potential suitors.

What is the current centre-back situation at Man United?

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both only have contracts with the 20-time English champions until the end of June, and it appears that the duo could move on this summer.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with the club believed to be willing to listen to offers for both players at the end of the campaign.

Arguably only Lisandro Martinez is guranteed to still be at the club next season from the current crop of senior centre-backs, with huge changes expected in that area this summer.

Man United currently have an injury crisis in the middle of their defence, with Varane, Evans, Lindelof and Martinez currently on the sidelines, while 19-year-old Willy Kambwala missed out against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday due to an unspecified issue.

Kambwala is again expected to be unavailable against Sheffield United on Wednesday night, which could again see Casemiro play in the middle of the defence alongside Maguire, although youngsters Habeeb Ogunneye and Louis Jackson are also options for head coach Erik ten Hag.