Alejandro Garnacho is attracting interest from European clubs (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United are preparing for battle to keep Alejandro Garnacho and have set their asking price as two European giants look to tempt him away from Old Trafford.
Garnacho joined the United academy at the age of 16 and has gone on to become a valued member of Erik ten Hag’s squad in recent seasons.
However, the Argentine has started just four games in all competitions so far this season as he competes with Amad Diallo for a regular starting berth on the right wing.
The 20-year-old has also endured a fractious relationship at points with United boss Ten Hag and has been caught liking tweets criticising the Dutchman on several occasions.
While clubs are unlikely to come knocking for Garnacho in January, reports from The Sun suggest that Barcelona and Juventus are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old’s situation with a view to a bid next summer.
Having signed a new five-year contract in April last year, prying Garnacho away from Old Trafford would take a substantial fee and United are said to want £50million for the forward.
While his minutes have been managed this season, Ten Hag has always insisted the winger has a bright future but said he must keep working hard to fulfil his ‘word-class’ potential.
Alejandro Garnacho has a contract until 20208 (Picture: Getty)
‘He has high potential, 100 per cent. He showed last season he can contribute, he can be a starting XI player,’ the Dutchman said last month.
‘But to make the jump to become a world-class player, a long way to go and it starts with very hard work.
‘That brought him where he is now and that will bring him to that world-class player because – and that is where I agree – he has the potential (to become).
‘I agree we need but I think every club in the top needs players with, let’s say, “the X factor,” Ten Hag continued.
‘We already have seen on occasions that he has shows this X factor, but also others in our squad already have shown it.
‘So, if you want to be that player where your colleague is talking about “world class” then you have to do it consistently.’
Garnacho has scored 19 goals in 95 appearances for the senior side with only Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes outscoring him last season.
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