Barca threaten United’s bid for Atletico’s Koke

Atlético Madrid’s Koke, who has long been on Manchester United’s radar appears to now be targeted by Catalan giants Barcelona. The Spanish press are claiming today that Barça will contest Manchester United’s transfer bid for the talented midfielder.

The question arises as to whether Koke would want to be part of a Premier League club rebuilding program or a La Liga club rebuilding program where there is no shortage of class midfielders?

And according to reports in yesterday’s press, the Red Devils were chewing the fat over Koke’s €60m release clause while getting ready to offer the talented midfielder €5m euros per season.

Reports from Spanish newspaper Sport suggest that United’s €60 million bid for the 22 year old will face competition from Barcelona as new coach Luis Enrique also has him on his radar. However, Barcelona seem to want to get the player on the cheap, as per usual, and have offered around €30 million – a tad short to say the least of his release clause as stipulated in his contract.

However, the player himself said that he would be content to hang his boots up at his current club.

“I could stay here my whole career. I have a long contract at the moment, and I want to see it out as Atlético is my home. We are putting together a great side, the project is very attractive, and I hope I can stay here for many years.”

United won’t be scared off by the midfielder’s words however as the Red Devils carefully craft their plan to Premier League greatness next season. Barcelona, on the other hand are looking more for a future plan to replace veteran Xavi as he enters his twilight years at the Catalan club.

Koke has been vital to Diego Simeone’s team’s success this season – winning the Spanish League title and coming runners up to upper-class neighbours Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Koke has provided some 15 assists in the Spanish league and Europe during this year’s campaign, reminding the world that he is one serious talent to keep an eye on.

The £48 million United are reportedly ready to stump up is no small chunk of change and although Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils have a £200million piggy bank to crack open, it is an awful lot of cash to splash on one player. Barcelona would probably want Koke to follow in Xavi’s footsteps which a mammoth task for the 22 year old.

Maybe the best option for the young midfielder is to sit it out for another year under the careful watch of Diego Simeone and gain more experience. That way, the talented Koke will be able to make an informed decision on whether to stay with Atlético for the long haul or ply his trade at another top Spanish club or abroad in the Premier League with Manchester United.