Kamara: Barcelona set to miss out to Man Utd on Marseille star

Barcelona are continuing to scour the market for loans and bargain deals with Camp Nou boss Xavi admitting that his side is need of strengthening. The club’s financial situation means that big-money signings are unlikely in the foreseeable future, although Barça president Joan Laporta has suggested funds would be available for one splash if the right player was available – Erling Haaland for example. In the meantime, the Barça scouting department is looking for alternatives who fit a certain profile: preferably young, and either cheap or free. Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara fits that bill, but Barça are reportedly set to lose out to Manchester United in the race for the 22-year-old.

Kamara has represented France at under-21 level and while predominantly a defensive midfielder, he can also fill in as a central defender, both areas where Xavi could do with some cover. Kamara is out of contract at the Stade Vélodrome in June and expected to move on as a free agent, which has attracted the interest of several European clubs.

Manchester United in pole position for Kamara

According to reports, United have stolen a march on their rivals for Kamara, with the Old Trafford board already having initiated contact. Ralf Rangnick has already identified the central spine of his side as in need of stiffening and is a keen adherent of acquiring talented young players to develop as his track record at Leipzig and the Red Bull network of clubs has shown.

Kamara is said to be excited by the prospect of playing in the Premier League but his agents will be keen to see what other offers are on the table for the youngster, who is likely to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market next summer.