Barcelona star Fermin Lopez reportedly snubbed a transfer approach from Manchester United in January, despite the Premier League club offering to double his current salary.
United, along with fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, were prepared to pay Barcelona €70m (£58.3m) to land the 21-year-old, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Lopez, though, made it extremely clear that he had no desire whatsoever to depart Barcelona and remains fully committed to the Catalan club.
The midfielder was not tempted to even consider United or Villa, who were willing to double his estimated €76,923-a-week (£64,000-a-week) wages.
Lopez, capped twice by Spain, came through Barcelona’s academy and has made 66 appearances to date, registering 15 goals and six assists.
He helped Barcelona clinch the Supercopa de España last month and has been singled out for praise by boss Hansi Flick on numerous occasions.
Lopez is hoping to win the La Liga title with Barcelona this term, with Flick’s side currently five points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand over Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Fermin Lopez helped Barcelona clinch the Supercopa de España last month (Picture: Getty)
Why did Man Utd want to sign Fermin Lopez from Barcelona?
United are ‘long-term admirers’ of Barcelona youngster Lopez, the Daily Mail reported on Sunday.
It is thought that United are seeking a new central midfield player with Christian Eriksen expected to leave at the end of the season and Casemiro no longer considered a regular starter.
Lopez would be an ideal option for the Red Devils given his age, potential and current ability.
Which other central midfielders have Man Utd been linked to?
United have reportedly been handed the opportunity to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz in a ‘sensational’ swap deal in the next summer transfer window.
It is believed the Italian club would be happy to let Luiz, 26, depart if United were prepared to offload flop forward Joshua Zirkzee in the opposite direction.
Luiz has only been a Juventus player since June, having joined the Turin-based club from Aston Villa in a deal worth €50m (£42.35m).
He was previously owned by Manchester City but eventually joined Villa after an issue with his work permit.
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