Manchester United's Donny van de Beek 'offers himself to Barcelona'

The 26-year-old is deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and has failed to break into the first team since the arrival of manager Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2022.

Van de Beek started just two matches for the Red Devils in all competitions last season before his campaign was curtailed in January due to a serious knee injury.

The Netherlands international has since featured for just 21 minutes across two appearances this term, both against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and EFL Cup.

Van de Beek has contributed with only two goals and two assists in a total of 62 appearances for Man United since his £40m move from Ajax in 2020, and he is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025.

However, the midfielder has admitted that he needs to leave Man United for the sake of his career, while Ten Hag recently hinted at a January departure for the Dutchman.

A recent report claims that Serie A giants Juventus are plotting a double swoop for both Van de Beek and out-of-favour Red Devils winger Jadon Sancho, and the duo could cost just £26m.

The likes of Galatasaray, Newcastle United and Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest in Van de Beek, but the midfielder appears to have a different club in mind as he eyes a move away from Old Trafford.

According to Sport, Van de Beek has offered himself to La Liga champions Barcelona, who are open to the possibility of recruiting a new midfielder to fill the void left behind by injured star Gavi.

Gavi tore his anterior cruciate ligament on international duty with Spain last month and the teenage midfielder, who has since undergone successful surgery, is facing up to 10 months on the sidelines.

Barca are said to have held an interest in Van de Beek during his time at Ajax, but they were eventually beaten by Man United in the race for his signature three-and-a-half years ago.

Sport states that Van de Beek has a "Barca profile", but the club have doubts over whether his addition in January would benefit Xavi's side going forward.

The Catalan giants are also said to be torn on the idea of a recruiting a new player on a short-term loan deal for the remainder of the season, something Van de Beek will most likely be targeting in the New Year.

As things stand, it appears that Juventus are showing the most interest in Van de Beek as they seek to bolster their midfield ranks due to the long-term suspensions of Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.

Van de Beek is expected to be involved in Man United's matchday squad for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Chelsea, but the Dutchman is set to begin as a substitute once again.