By SIMON JONES
Published: 07:48 EST, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 07:51 EST, 26 December 2024
Dani Olmo's agent arrived in Manchester today as Premier League clubs look to take advantage of Barcelona’s battle to register the dynamic Spain international with La Liga ahead of the January 1 deadline.
Olmo was a £50million signing from Red Bull Leipzig in the summer but could only be registered on a temporary arrangement until the end of the calendar year owing to La Liga's ongoing financial constraints on Barcelona.
It means Olmo can leave as a free agent if Spain's football federation continue to block his registration for the second part of the season as they push for the Catalan giants to make more cuts, find more revenue and comply with their financial guidelines.
Barcelona have instigated legal proceedings against La Liga and were initially hopeful of reaching a resolution before next week.
However, with time ticking, the situation has alerted leading Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, United and Arsenal, who have taken a keen interest in whether a player so instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph could be available for nothing next month.
Olmo's priority has always been to stay with Barcelona, his boyhood club, but the drawn out process is understood to have forced his agent Andy Bara to begin exploring potential moves for the 26-year old who is recognised as one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe.
Dani Olmo's agent Andy Bara (pictured, left, after Spain's Euro 2024 win) has arrived in Manchester
The star was pivotal in Spain's summer glory but could leave Barcelona on a free as they struggle to register him
The agent was also pivotal in Manchester City landing Josko Gvardiol from Red Bull Leipzig
Croatian Bara, 42, is owner of Niagara Sports Company, one of the biggest agencies in the world. A former centre back, he has forged a reputation as a leading agent representing Olmo, Spain captain Alvaro Morata and other figures such as Lovro Majer and previously Marcelo Brozovic.
Bara also played a role in Manchester City's £77m deal to land Josko Gvardiol from Red Bull Leipzig in 2023.
Bara flew to Manchester by private jet ahead of City's game with Everton and was due to be attending the game.
Contacted by Mail Sport, Bara confirmed: 'Yes, it is correct I am in Manchester. I am here on holidays.'