Barcelona reject Manchester United bid for Sergi Roberto

Bengaluru, August 8: Manchester United have had a £36 million bid for versatile Barcelona star Sergi Roberto rejected and Chelsea could soon join the race for the midfielder, according to reports in Spain.

Mundo Deportivo report, despite the interest from two of the Premier League's major clubs, Barcelona have absolutely no intention of selling the 25-year-old. Manchester City also previously were in the race for the Spaniard, but Pep Guardiola's interest was laughed off by his former club.

Roberto is an extremely versatile player who can play either at central midfield or at right-back and is believed to be rated highly by Jose Mourinho who wants to add depth to his squad this season as he expects the Red Devils to compete on all fronts.

Long linked with a host of Premier League clubs, he was a top target for Chelsea a year ago, but Barcelona refused to let him leave due to the lack of options after the departure of Dani Alves.

Roberto was rotated with Aleix Vidal at the right-back position last season, and notably scored a crucial goal for the club in their incredible 6-1 comeback win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Barcelona have signed a natural right-back in Nelson Semedo from Benfica this summer who is likely to start more often at Camp Nou, but Barcelona admire Roberto's qualities in midfield and also reckon that his versatility could come in handy this campaign.

Barcelona claim Roberto is non-transferable, but with Mourinho and Conte both trying to secure his services, they could try to start a bidding war with both clubs who are trying to build their squads to challenge for the Premier League title.

However, Roberto remains a Barcelona player as of now and with Barcelona desperate to keep him, Mourinho and Conte might have to look elsewhere.