Manchester United and Chelsea in £36m battle for FC Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly set to go head-to-head in a bid to land Spain international midfielder Sergi Roberto, according to Don Balon.

The Premier League rivals, who finished sixth and first in the English top-flight standings last term, have been freshly linked with the FC Barcelona star ahead of the forthcoming 2017-18 campaign.

The 25-year-old, who has three international caps for his country, scored one goal and provided six assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga giants last season.

Roberto, who has been with the Nou Camp outfit since the age of 14, is understood to have a release clause of £36m.

Juventus’ Paulo Dybala (right) in action with Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto last season.

Able to operate in the centre of the park, and on the right wing, the Spaniard has caught the eye of The Red Devils and The Blues, with the report even going as far as to say United boss Jose Mourinho has already begun talks with the player over a potential switch to Old Trafford this summer.

Roberto has netted six goals in over 150 games overall for Barca, winning four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys and two UEFA Champions League crowns.