Manchester United have already begun planning to bolster their squad just two months into the 2026-27 season.
Journalist Matteo Moretto said on Radio MARCA’s La Pizarra, Man United have enquired about two La Liga midfielders Pablo Barrios and Fermin Lopez.
Barrios delivered a superb display for Atletico Madrid against United in the UEFA Champions League earlier this month.
The central midfielder scored the opening goal of the contest and set the tone for Atletico Atletico to take control of the match.
The 23-year-old has already made 150 senior appearances for Los Rojiblancos after rising through the ranks at the club.
Lopez emerged from the famous Barcelona academy around the same time.
He is an attack-minded midfielder, having registered 37 goals and 30 assists in 148 first-team games for the La Liga champions.
Those numbers underline just how important Lopez has become to Barcelona over the past three years.
Man Utd planning for potential midfield departures
Bruno Fernandes could leave Old Trafford next summer, with his contract set to expire in June 2027.
The Red Devils have the option to extend his deal by another 12 months, but it remains unclear whether the captain would want to spend another season at the club amid the ongoing turmoil at Old Trafford.
Lopez could emerge as an attractive replacement for Fernandes, although persuading Barcelona to part ways with one of their prized assets would be a significant challenge.
Fernandes is not the only midfielder whose future could be uncertain, with Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte also potentially heading towards the Old Trafford exit door.
Against that backdrop, it is hardly surprising that INEOS are already assessing the market for top-quality midfield reinforcements.
The current hierarchy has generally shown a preference for recruiting players with Premier League experience, but that approach could come under scrutiny after the club’s recruitment struggles this summer.
It remains to be seen whether United are prepared to change their transfer strategy and pursue emerging talent from La Liga as they plan for the future.
Stats from Fotmob.com