According to the Don Balon, Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in signing Manchester United defender Daley Blind.
What’s the story?
Blind’s long-term future at United is far from secure with the Netherlands international struggling to hold down a regular spot in Jose Mourinho’s first XI.
The 27-year-old has made 13 appearances for United this season, but just four of those have come in the Premier League.
He was one of the players heavily criticised when the Red Devils lost to Bristol City in the quarter-finals of the League Cup earlier this month, and it would not be a surprise if Blind looked to leave Old Trafford either in January or in next summer’s transfer window.
According to the Don Balon, Barcelona are long-term admirers of Blind, and see the Dutchman as the ideal replacement for China-bound Javier Mascherano.
Real Madrid, however, have now reportedly also joined the race as they view the defender as a potential partner for Sergio Ramos at centre-back.
What has happened to Blind at United?
There is no doubting that Blind is a brilliant footballer. Technically excellent with a cultured left foot, the former Ajax youngster impressed at centre-back under Louis van Gaal.
Blind made 56 appearances in all competitions for United during the 2015-16 season, but struggled for regular action under Mourinho last term, and has hardly been involved in the league during the 2017-18 campaign.
Mourinho does not believe that Blind is mobile enough to play in midfield, whilst his lack of pace has also caused problems at left-back.
There just does not seem to be a position for Blind at Old Trafford when considering that there are a number of players ahead of him in all of the positions that he is capable of filling.
It is not a surprise that Barcelona and Real Madrid want the Netherlands international, and it would probably be fair to say that his style of football is more suited to Spain than it is to England.
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