OFFICIAL: Manchester United beat Bayern Munich and Liverpool in race for Barcelona wonderkid Gavi

Описание: Man Utd beat Bayern Munich and Liverpool in race for Barcelona wonderkid Gavi

The race for Barcelona star Gavi is heating up, with Bayern Munich now joining the race after both Liverpool and Manchester United have shown interest in the 18-year-old.

The Spaniard is yet to sign a new contract at Barcelona, and with his deal expiring at the end of the season the Nou Camp bosses are starting to sweat over his future. Gavi has reportedly already knocked back approaches from the club over a new deal, and was said to have rallied against the potential signing of Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.

But Gavi may have his heart set on a summer move, and according to BILD, Bayern are keen to bring the Spaniard to the Allianz Arena and replicate their signing of Thiago from the Nou Camp back in 2013. But they face heavy competition from Premier League sides Liverpool and United, much to the disgust of Barcelona.

It's been a busy summer for Barcelona, and it seemed as though they signed everyone despite not being in a strong financial position. But although they brought in the likes of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde, it was also a key summer as they held on to some of their prized assets.

Barcelona see midfield duo Pedri and Gavi as the future, and the pair look destined to emulate the success of Andres Iniesta and Xavi. But unless they can secure a new contract for Gavi this season, they could see their golden boy leave for free.

But Barcelona president Joan Laporta is stunned that Gavi is refusing to sign, and can't get his head round the current situation. Speaking to L'Esportiu, Laporta said: "Gavi's agent has the new contract proposal on the table for a long time but he has not accepted yet.

"We don't understand... I don't like the situation. I encourage them to accept it as soon as possible, because it also helps us plan."

But there is hope for Barcelona, as Gavi reportedly has a £41million release clause in his contract, and so far no side has been brave enough to trigger it. Barcelona are known for integrating mammoth release clauses into the contracts of their stars, and if Gavi re-signs, this will likely be the case again.

Both Liverpool and United signed midfielders this summer, but they both looked for experience rather than taking a chance on a young talent. Therefore, the door could be open to Bayern, who are developing a young squad following the exit of some of their older stars.