Manchester United transfer target Daley Blind has been spotted by Spanish newspapers in Barcelona as the Catalan club are also competing for his siganture.
New Barcleona boss Luis Enrique appears to be leading the chase after Mundo Deportivo spotted Blind in the city, apparently on a holiday.
The versatile Holland star has spent his entire career with Ajax, barring a loan spell at Groningen, but at 24 is in demand by both United and Barca.
Recently appointed Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, who managed him in the national team during the World Cup, has a close relationship with Blind’s father Danny, the captain of his 1995 Champions League winning Ajax team. Blind senior was assistant to Van Gaal in Brazil but is staying on under Guus Hiddink until Euro 2016 and will take over as manager in his own right for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers – so he won’t be joining the United staff. That perhaps weakens United’s chances of signing Blind, especially when Barcelona can offer Champions League football.
With a valuation around £17m, Blind would be a useful alternative to youngster Luke Shaw at United as his versatility means he could be a central midfield option aswell as a left back.
Luis Enrique hasn’t been afraid to ring changes at Camp Nou, with the sales of fan favourites Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, the two-year loan departure of Cristian Tello plus the arrivals of Claudio Bravo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Luis Suarez. The Holland internationl would represent another useful addition to the squad as he looks to regain the Liga title and improve on the clubs Champions League performance after last seasons quater-final exit.
Agent Rob Jansen has hinted that a move to Camp Nou could happen in the coming weeks. When quizzed about the recent speculation linking his client with Barcelona, Jansen said: "The rumours of today could very well be tomorrow's reality."
"There are many clubs interested in Daley. We'll have to wait and see what happens when the transfer market shakes up."