Manchester United: Jose Mourinho faces competition from Barcelona for Grzegorz Krychowiak signature

Sevilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak could be the subject of a summer bidding war between Manchester United and Barcelona, according to reports. Krychowiak, 26, is in demand after an excellent season at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, in which he helped Unai Emery's side to an unprecedented third successive Europa League title.

The Sun claims new United boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Krychowiak to bolster his midfield options after the Red Devils missed out on Benfica's Renato Sanches last month.

However, Spanish champions Barcelona are also reported to be interested in the Poland international as a possible back-up option to defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Mundo Deportivo reported on 31 May that the Catalan giants had already held talks with the player's representatives to declare their interest in signing him.

Krychowiak made 40 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions in the 2015/16 season, scoring one goal. He is contracted to the Ramon Sanches Pizjuan until 2019.

United overhaul

United are ready to back Mourinho in the transfer market with a sizeable war chest, but their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League is likely to hamper their ability to attract top-tier talent to Old Trafford.

Sky Sports reported on 31 May that the Portuguese coach had sanctioned the sale of Juan Mata and Daley Blind in the summer, as the duo do not fit the profile of players he wants in his squad.

Mata, 28, was sold by Chelsea to United during Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge, amid reports that the former Real Madrid manager was unhappy with the Spaniard's lack of pace and work rate.

He spent much of the 2013/14 season on the bench at Stamford Bridge and was sold in January 2014 to the Red Devils for a fee of about £33.5m ($49m).

Mata only scored six league goals for United this season and has been left out of Spain's Euro 2016 squad.