Manchester United are ready to trigger Jorge Salinas' release clause, but face competition from Atletico Madrid for his signature. The 19-year-old left-back has impressed in Spain, and as a result, has been linked with a move away. As well as Atletico and United, Salinas has also been linked with a move to Barcelona.
Release clause and competition
According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona have no intention of paying Salinas' €16m (£13.6m) release clause. United, though, are ready to trigger it to snap up the 19-year-old this summer. But in a twist, the report also claims that Atletico are waiting for Matteo Ruggeri to complete a move to Aston Villa before making a move for Salinas. It is claimed that Villa have agreed a €18m plus €6m bonuses (£20m) deal with Los Rojiblancos for Ruggeri, meaning United may have to act quickly.
Club's stance
Despite the continued speculation around Salinas' future, Racing boss Jose Alberto Lopez claimed earlier this week that the defender, along with Gustavo Puerta, don't want to leave the club this summer. He said: "Their professionalism doesn't surprise me. What surprises me is that people are constantly talking about the departure of two of our players [Salinas and Puerta], when they have contracts and are our players." Before he added: "They're very important to us. I don't want them to leave. And they show every day that they don't either. But we know how this world works and there are release clauses. If a team comes along and pays the clause, they cease to be our players."
Speaking last week, Racing sporting director Chema Aragon made similar comments, but he did admit that his club would be powerless if a 'giant' such as United and Barca came in with a significant bid for Salinas. "There's little you can do if a giant appears," Aragan said. "We value the assets we have, we consider them important. For the club, at this time, there is no other option than to try to strengthen the team and not weaken it by losing stars. The reality is that the club that wants him has to come along with an offer."
Player profile
United are in the market for a left back and are considering alternatives for Lewis Hall, who Newcastle do not want to sell. Salinas has already represented Spain's under-19 side nine times and registered seven assists from 34 matches last season as Racing were promoted back to La Liga.
