Man United face Barcelona competition for €40 million-rated defensive prospect

Manchester United and Barcelona are both interested in signing 18-year-old FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad. United are monitoring the Dutch teenager as a potential long-term defensive reinforcement, while Bayern Munich are also reportedly keeping tabs on his situation. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, currently Twente's technical director, confirmed that several prominent clubs have made approaches.

Barcelona previously had an €8 million bid rejected late in the summer and are reportedly considering a permanent transfer offer worth around €25 million. Twente aim to retain Nijstad, whose contract runs until 2029, with an improved deal, believing his market valuation could ultimately reach €40 million.