13 July 2023 , 10:21
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Manchester United made a £100million bid for Vitor Roque in an attempt to hijack Barcelona's deal for the forward.
The Red Devils are open in their desire to sign a big-name forward this summer as Erik ten Hag aims to add more goals to his side. They were originally chasing Tottenham striker Harry Kane but have since dropped their interest following Daniel Levy's demands.
A number of other forwards including Randal Kolo Muani, Rasmus Hojlund and Victor Osimhen have also all been linked with a move to Old Trafford. But United have seemingly made Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranense a primary target.
The striker's agent Andre Cury recently admitted that both the Red Devils and Tottenham had made big-money attempts to sign Roque before his move to Barcelona was confirmed. Speaking on the Charla podcast, he said: "I can confirm that English clubs tried to hijack the Vitor Roque deal.
"Tottenham and Manchester United sent important bids, way better than Barca. They were worth more than €100m in total. However, his career plan is well-defined and we opted for Barcelona. Now is not the time to look at the money."
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It is not the first time since Ten Hag's arrival at Old Trafford that the Catalan giants have left the Dutchman's transfer plans in tatters. The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for midfielder Frenkie de Jong last summer.
Vitor Roque is set to move to Barcelona despite Man United's attempts to sign him (Getty Images)Which striker do you think Man United should sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
It was thought that Barcelona would have to sell due to the dire financial situation at the Camp Nou but they ended up keeping De Jong. Whilst that left the Red Devils’ frustrated, it still worked out well given they ended up signing Casemiro from Real Madrid instead.
Elsewhere, Barcelona boss Joan Laporta has already revealed what Roque will bring to Barcelona. Speaking with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he confirmed: "Goals. He very much has his own style. You can't really compare him with [retired Brazil strikers] Ronaldo or Romario. He is someone that is deadly with both feet inside the box.
"He is different to what we have had here before. If you had to compare him to anyone, it would be Ronaldo, who was a force of nature with us. [Roque] has bags of potential, is young, powerful and Brazilian."
Roque, just 18, moves to Barcelona after a sensational season with Brazilian side Athletico Paranense. He made 31 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 15 goals.
His form was good enough to see him rewarded with a senior debut for Brazil as he made a 25-minute cameo for the Selecao in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Morocco back in March.
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