Manchester United will not be able to sign 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 after already adding Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m.
Bernal's decision to stay
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that Bernal has decided to remain at Barcelona, despite interest from United. The report also notes that Chelsea, Arsenal, Roma and Al Nassr have shown interest, but Barcelona never entertained allowing Bernal to leave, with the 19-year-old said to hold 'absolute loyalty' to the La Liga giants.
Release clause and Barcelona stance
Bernal is reported to have a €500m (£427m) release clause in his Barcelona contract. Barcelona handed him a prominent role last season, with 22 appearances in La Liga as the club won the title, and six in the Champions League, scoring once against Newcastle United in the round of 16.
United still have around five weeks left in the transfer window, with a new midfielder being touted despite the signings of Santos and Tielemans. Further business remains uncertain as Michael Carrick oversees pre-season preparations.
