Barcelona’s midfield has become an increasingly crowded space this summer, with Hansi Flick blessed with options across every position in the middle of the park.
The arrival of Rodri from Manchester City added a World Cup winner and reigning Ballon d’Or holder to the mix, while Anthony Gordon’s move from Newcastle has given Flick further attacking rotation to call upon.
Competition for places has intensified as a result, leaving several of Barcelona’s existing midfielders needing to fight for regular minutes this season.
One of those names being talked about is Gavi, who endured a stop-start campaign last year after a serious knee injury kept him out for five months.
He recovered his fitness in time to force his way into Spain’s World Cup squad, making two appearances at the tournament as Spain went on to lift the trophy itself.
Speculation had grown that his path back into Flick’s first-choice midfield might be blocked, opening the door to interest from elsewhere.
That interest has now been firmly shut down, with Gavi rejecting the possibility of a move to Manchester United, according to the Mirror.
United’s pursuit wasn’t a fleeting one, with Michael Carrick’s side having identified Gavi as a target as part of their broader midfield rebuild this summer.
The Red Devils had already committed close to £85million on Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but continued searching for a third midfield addition, with Gavi entering their thinking as a result.
United were prepared to offer £35million, in the region of €41million, in an attempt to prise the academy graduate away from the Nou Camp.
Gavi, though, has made his position clear, with no interest in leaving Barcelona regardless of the financial terms on offer.
He believes he still has plenty to prove in Catalonia and can force his way back into a central role under Flick, and that belief has been enough to close the door on Old Trafford entirely.
United’s attention is now expected to turn more fully towards Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, with a deal for the Cameroon international reported to be edging closer to completion.
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