Gavi rejects Manchester United move to stay at Barcelona as Seys bid also fails

Manchester United’s summer midfield search suffered a significant setback on Wednesday as Gavi rejected the chance to join the club, choosing to remain at Barcelona despite United’s readiness to meet his reported £35 million valuation.

The 22-year-old Spain international was identified as a target as Michael Carrick’s side look to add further depth in the middle of the park. However, Gavi’s preference to stay at the Camp Nou has effectively ended United’s interest, forcing the club to look elsewhere with fewer than two weeks remaining in the summer window.

The Gavi news compounded a frustrating week for United’s recruitment team. Club Brugge have also refused to entertain what was described as a record transfer offer for left-back Joaquin Seys, leaving United back at square one in their search for cover in that position. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall remains a persistent target at left-back as the club continues to explore alternatives.

Carrick has already reshaped his squad considerably this summer, bringing in goalkeeper Karl Darlow, midfielder Youri Tielemans, and forward Andrey Santos, alongside younger arrivals Kit Margetson, Cristian Orozco, and Tynan Thompson. Yet the manager is still seeking a left-back, an additional midfielder, and a striker to compete with Benjamin Sesko.

Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito has been mentioned as a potential option up front, though no concrete move appears imminent. Meanwhile, outgoings remain a possibility, with Joshua Zirkzee attracting interest from Serie A. Napoli have made an enquiry about the Dutch forward, though the Italian club are understood to need to sell before pursuing any new striker — and they are also monitoring Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus.

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, who has been loosely connected to United in recent months, appears increasingly unlikely to end up at Old Trafford. Milan have reduced their asking price to £38.5 million, with Galatasaray leading the race, Roma also interested, and the player’s agent reportedly pushing for a move to Chelsea.