Manchester United set to meet release clause of Barcelona midfielder

Manchester, August 15: Manchester United are reportedly prepared to match the £36.5 million release clause in the contract of Barcelona ace Sergi Roberto to bring the Barcelona star to Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has seen Nelson Semedo arrival as the first-choice at right back earlier this summer and now has seen his chances of getting first-team football become even more limited with the arrival of midfielder Paulinho.

According to Don Balon, Roberto is unsettled and could seek an exit, with the report going on to add that Jose Mourinho's side have no issue in meeting his £36.5 million release clause which is fairly reasonable in today's inflated market.

Barcelona look far from finished in the transfer market having seen star player Neymar leave the club for PSG on a world record transfer fee and continue to be linked with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Christian Eriksen, and bringing either of them would see his chances become even more bleak.

While, a move elsewhere would seem to make sense for the talented and versatile star, although Manchester United are set to face competition for his signature as the report adds that Juventus and Manchester City are also keen on the Spaniard.

As expected, it will be difficult for Roberto to leave Barcelona given his ties with the club from a young age. However, if he wishes to further his career and play regularly, he may not have any other option but to end his 11-year spell with the Catalan giants.

Roberto has been deployed at right back with Barca, he may favour a move elsewhere if the likes of Jose Mourinho or Massimiliano Allegri are willing to play him in his more natural defensive midfield role, but time will tell if a deal can be by the end of this month.

It is not easy to get a player of Roberto's caliber these days as his versatility would be an asset to any team in the world. We have to wait and see what future holds for the Spaniard.