Man Utd target with £427m release clause makes decision on Red Devils transfer | Football | Sport

Manchester United will find themselves unable to secure a deal for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, who is reportedly eager to stay at the Nou Camp. The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a third midfield signing this summer, having already bolstered their ranks with two new arrivals.

Andrey Santos has completed a £50million move from Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans has also touched down at Old Trafford after United triggered the £35m release clause in his Aston Villa contract. Whether United will pursue yet another midfielder before the transfer window shuts remains to be seen, with Bernal’s name among several to have been mentioned over recent months.

An update has now emerged regarding the 19-year-old’s situation at the Camp Nou, with Barcelona’s position abundantly clear.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that Bernal has decided to remain at Barcelona this summer, despite the purported interest from United.

The report reveals that United are not the only club to have admired Bernal, with Chelsea and Arsenal also understood to have made their interest known, along with Serie A outfit Roma and Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

Despite this widespread attention, the report states unequivocally that Barcelona never entertained any notion of allowing Bernal to leave this summer, with the 19-year-old said to hold “absolute loyalty” to the La Liga giants.

This effectively sends a clear message to United and their transfer team that any prospective deal is simply not on the cards.

Bernal is reported to have a €500m (£427m) release clause inserted into his Barcelona contract, rendering a departure from the Camp Nou virtually inconceivable unless the La Liga giants were prepared to accept a substantially reduced sum.

Barcelona handed Bernal a prominent role last season, with the player making 22 appearances in La Liga as the club pipped fierce rivals Real Madrid to lift the title.

He also featured six times in the Champions League, contributing one goal, which came against Newcastle United in the round of 16.

United still have around five weeks to wrap up their summer transfer activity, with a new midfielder being touted in the rumour mill despite the signings of Santos and Tielemans.

What further business United will conclude in the remaining weeks of the transfer window is yet to be determined, with Michael Carrick currently overseeing the squad during pre-season preparations.