Manchester United boss Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty) Manchester United have made an approach to sign Spain World Cup winner Gavi after Barcelona signed Rodri from Manchester City. Michael Carrick remains keen to bolster his midfield options before the summer transfer window closes in less than two weeks time. United signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea earlier in the summer but are open to a third midfield signing following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury. Manchester United were linked with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes before they both moves to Tottenham and also missed out on the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. According to the Daily Mirror, Old Trafford bosses have made an ambitious approach to sign Gavi after Barcelona’s impressive deal for fellow World Cup winner Rodri. Rodri, who won four Premier League titles and the Ballon d’Or during his spell at Man City, looked set to join Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho keen to welcome him to the Bernabeu. But Barcelona beat their La Liga rivals to a stunning deal, spending a relatively modest fee of £65m to sign one of the most influential players in the world. Barcelona star and World Cup winner Gavi (Picture: Getty) Manchester United targeted Gavi after Rodri’s move back to Spain but the 22-year-old immediately rejected their advances as he wants to stay at Barca. Gavi came through Barcelona’s academy before breaking into the first-team in 2021 and has since made over 150 appearances for the current La Liga champions. Carrick is believed to be a huge admirer of Gavi, a member of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad this summer, but will have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. New Barcelona signing Rodri (Picture: Getty) Reports in Spain recently suggested Barcelona could be receptive to the idea of selling Rodri but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano dismissed this possibility. ‘Gavi is not leaving Barcelona, absolutely impossible,’ he said. ‘Barca are more than happy with Gavi. ‘I would not be surprised if in the next months, Gavi and Barca start discussing a new contract. It’s not something imminent, so I don’t want to throw things that are not happening today, tomorrow, or in a few days. Gavi helped Spain win the World Cup (Picture: Getty) ‘But in the next months, I would not be surprised if you see a conversation between Gavi, and Barca over a new contract. ‘Gavi’s super happy with Barca. Rodri joining Barca is only good news for Gavi. Gavi and Rodri have an excellent relationship. ‘It doesn’t mean that Rodri is going to Barca so Gavi wants to go, it’s not true at all, and Gavi’s staying.’ https://www.instagram.com/p/DcMubA4uV7I/?hl=en While Manchester United’s move for Gavi was rebuffed, they are making progress on a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer and Manchester United have offered Brighton a deal worth £65m this week. After leaving Manchester City to join Barcelona, Rodri said: ‘I’m very happy to have arrived. The last few days have been intense, but I’m glad everything has been sorted out. Man Utd are working on a deal for Carlos Baleba (Picture: Getty) ‘Of course, playing for FC Barcelona is a dream. I can’t wait to be with my team-mates, many of whom I already know from the national team. It’s time to get to work and give my very best.’ In a message to Manchester City posted on the club’s official website, Rodri added: ‘Dear City fans, I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try. ‘It’s hard to find the words to express how much gratitude, love and support me and my family have experienced all these years. Man Utd summer signing Youri Tielemans (Picture: Getty) ‘I remember how I felt when I arrived, signing for the big Manchester City.
