Manchester United attempt to hijack Roque’s deal from Barcelona

According to a report in Mundo Deportivo, English side Manchester United has made a last-ditch attempt to hijack the Vitor Roque Barcelona deal with Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense.

The transfer of Roque has been in the works for a while and it is understood there is a pre-agreement between the sides which will see Roque sign a six-year deal with Barcelona.

The transfer fee is reportedly set at €35 million with €10 million more in add-ons based on certain variables.

The Brazilian outfit’s sporting director Alexandre Mattos visited Barca recently which enabled the pre-agreement to be reached, but United are attempting to hijack the deal at the 11th hour.

Barcelona face competition for Vitor Roque

The Red Devils are not alone in their appreciation for Vitor Roque, with the 18-year-old Brazilian thought to be the next breakout star from South America. But as the Spanish outlet reported, Roque has his mind set on a move to Spain:

"Powerful teams like Manchester United , Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain have called Vitor Roque ‘s entourage in recent days, pressing him to change his mind and agree to join their respective projects, but the player is very clear about his position and does not think of another thing that in succeeding as a Barça player, a factor that also gives Barça a lot of peace of mind when it comes to betting on his signing."

As we all know, Barcelona is working to certain financial limitations this summer, and in the event that they can’t facilitate the necessary outgoings to register Roque this summer, he will remain in Brazil until January.

That may suit Paranaense who are in the middle of their season and will be keen to keep their striking sensation for the challenge of Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores.

The 18-year-old has scored 10 goals in just 19 appearances so far this year, with 3 goals in 6 games in the Copa Libertadores.