Man Utd sent clear message after 'lodging £61m transfer offer' - 'I'm staying'

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has confirmed he wants to stay in Catalunya, ending Manchester United's hopes of signing him. The Spaniard has been linked with an audacious move to Old Trafford throughout the transfer window.

United boss Ruben Amorim has been trying to add more options to his midfield, after mainly focusing on bolstering his attack. Recent reports claimed the Red Devils were plotting a £61million move for Lopez, who won a gold medal with Spain at the Paris Olympics.

United have wrapped up the signings of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m from Wolves, young defender Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m and, most recently, Benjamin Sesko for £66.4m up frontplus a further £7.6m in potential add-ons.

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However, they are looking for more creativity and energy in midfield, which was a huge weakness for United last season. Unfortunately for them, Lopez will not be the new spark the Red Devils are looking for.

He scored an impressive brace as Barcelona comfortably beat Como 5-0 in a pre-season friendly. Speaking to reporters after the match, he confirmed his future will still be with the Catalans.

Lopez said: "It was a great game from the whole team that will be good for us. The work is non-negotiable, the pressure is high too, like last year, when we did very well. Let’s continue like this.”

He added: "I want to stay here. It’s my dream and I will stay, I’m happy to help the team. Many things have been said.

"But I am going to continue defending these colours and working as hard as anyone else, so that the Catalans are calm.”

Despite Lopez's comments, the Red Devils appear to be prioritising a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is a different profile of midfielder. The Seagulls ace has recently been linked with a huge move to Old Trafford, after impressing with his classy performances under Fabian Hurzeler.

The Cameroonian, who was signed from Lille soon after Chelsea bought Moises Caicedo for a then Premier League record £115m, is understood to be valued by Brighton at around £100m. United's valuation is significantly less than the Seagulls', as they believe a fee of around £70m would be fair.

However, with three years left on his deal at the Amex Stadium, Brighton are in a position to command whatever fee they want for the midfield engine. With the likes of Casemiro coming to the end of his career and Manuel Ugarte struggling for consistency since his move from Paris Saint-Germain last year, United's need for a midfielder is glaring to some.

The Red Devils' new-look squad will face an immediate acid test, as they face Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in their first five matches of the campaign.

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