Manchester United Take Lead in Signing Barcelona Star Alexis Sanchez

Manchester United are considering a move in signing Liverpool forward target Alexis Sanchez this summer, according to the Express.

The Barcelona star has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou in recent times and has attracted interest from Brendan Rodgers' side, while Arsenal are also monitoring his situation.

The report claims the Red Devils have already opened talks with the Catalan club over a potential transfer of Sanchez to Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old is not included in Barcelona's new boss Luis Enrique's plan for the next season and he is now looking to offload him in the summer transfer window.

Apart from Liverpool, Juventus were keen on landing the Chilean international and had tabled a £16.5m bid for his services.

However, Barcelona are unwilling to let their player leave for anything less than £20m. United have made an approach for Sanchez and are ready to pay his asking price to the Spanish outfit.

The Premier League runners up and the Italian champions can tempt Sanchez to join them with the Champions League football next season.

Both Liverpool and Juventus are unwilling to match Barcelona's asking price, leaving United to make a swoop for the Chilean forward.

During the 2013/14 season, Sanchez scored 19 goals and registered 10 assists from 34 league appearances. He was Barcelona's second top scorer in the league behind Lionel Messi.

Any move from United for Sanchez's signature could see them face a tough task. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has suggested the South American star should not be allowed the leave the club this summer.

"You read so many things here these days, during the summer window, that it is better not to comment on everything. But Alexis] has a contract, he is a player with our team, he is here and has played an excellent season with Barcelona," Bartomeu said.

"Obviously, he is part of our plans for next season, we have always needed him, he is one of the very valued players in this institution," he added.