Man Utd plotting move for Lionel Messi's successor at Barcelona

Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona sensation Ansu Fati this summer, with Erik ten Hag making him a 'priority'.

The 20-year-old has become somewhat of a superstar for the Spanish giants since he made his debut back in 2019 and has scored 25 times in 88 appearances.

He is regarded as a future star and signed a long-term contract in 2021 to keep him at the club until 2027.

Despite this, Spanish international Fati doesn't seem to be favoured by manager Xavi having only made seven starts in La Liga this season.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, as reported in Football365, United manager Erik ten Hag has listed Fati as a 'priority' should Barcelona 'open the door' for him to leave.

With the controversial exit of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this campaign, United are in the market for a striker for next season having recently signed Wout Weghorst on loan to plug that gap in the squad.

He's Lionel Messi's successor

When Messi departed Camp Nou to move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 Fati was handed his famous number 10 shirt at Barcelona for the following season.

Naturally, comparisons came and a huge amount of pressure was placed on the shoulders of the young winger.

Even former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o said that Fati can be the person to take over from Messi.

Back in 2020 the Cameroonian legend told SportBible: "I think [Fati] is the one for the future. He's currently doing amazing stuff so I think the club really needs to groom him and take very good care of him.

"Let's hope he's the one to take over from Messi."

Whilst it's almost impossible to follow in Messi's footsteps Fati does have a very bright future ahead of him so it's not a surprise United want to bring him to Old Trafford.

However, his lengthy contract means he would demand a hefty fee which the Red Devils, who are effectively up for sale, may be reluctant to pay.