United’s plans in tatters as world-class defender lined up for free summer move set for Barcelona instead – report

Barcelona look set to pip Manchester United to the post for the free summer signing of Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, according to reports.

The German defender was a key part of the remarkable Leverkusen team which won the Bundesliga last season, but will be available for nothing at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Reports last month suggested United were nailed on to be Tah’s next club following Barcelona’s decision to extend Ronald Araujo’s contract, meaning they had less need of swelling their defensive ranks.

Nevertheless, TBR Football today claim that the Catalan giants are “leading the race” to sign the 29-year-old, who has been attracting interest from across Europe.

The report states that now that the winter transfer window has closed, “things are expected to advance in the coming weeks” regarding the defender’s future, which does not seem to lie in England.

United are not the only Premier League side interested in bringing Tah on board, with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham all having made enquiries.

But the Germany international seems closest to a move to Spain, with his compatriot Hansi Flick “pushing to bring him to Catalunya” to bolster his Barcelona defence.

TBR Football note that Flick is eager to get the deal done having failed to land the player last summer “despite lengthy talks.”

This is bad news for Ruben Amorim, whose planned summer squad rebuild will be bound on all sides by PSR concerns.

Tah is a world class option for improving United’s leaky backline, and bringing him in on a free transfer would have been a great way to get started.

Instead, the centre-back looks to be another high quality player available for nothing in the summer heading to the Nou Camp instead of Old Trafford with striker Jonathan David thought to be making the same move.

Tah has been a gigantic presence for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this season, featuring 20 times and grabbing two goals and an assist.

Featured image Lars Baron via Getty Images

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