Manchester United target Sergio Busquets: Barcelona agree deal to ward off Premier League giants

Manchester United reported target Sergio Busquets has committed his future to Barcelona with a new long-term contract until 2019, the Spanish club have confirmed.

United manager Louis van Gaal recently earmarked the signing of a midfielder to balance his side as the top priority for the summer transfer window after Michael Carrick had missed a number of games during the season due to injuries, while Darren Fletcher left the team in January.

"Of course. I am looking for balance and I need a balance in midfield. When I play with [Adnan] Januzaj and [Angel] Di Maria in the midfield positions, then you need a certain balance for that kind of creative player," the manager admitted.

While some reports in England have since claimed long-term target Kevin Strootman remains his top priority, a possibility that may have come to a head amid the Roma midfielder's latest surgery complications, Spanish media said Van Gaal was also monitoring Busquets.

Sport recently revealed Paris Saint-Germain tried to secure the midfielder's services during the summer of 2014, while United also made an approach to lure him to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, earlier in February, Marca revealed the Spanish midfielder was in advanced talks to commit his future to Barcelona while assuring United had approached him regarding a move to Old Trafford.

Ahead of the Champions League game against Manchester City, Busquets revealed he would like to have an experience in the Premier League in the future.

"Everyone talks highly of England and I'd like to experience it one day. You see more space, more opportunity to enjoy your football. It's more physical, more intense, but I think I'd be comfortable," he said to The Guardian.

But Barcelona have now put an end to any speculation, confirming the 26-year-old has committed his long-term future to the club with a new deal.

"FC Barcelona have reached agreement with Sergio Busquets to extend his contract with the Club until June 30<sup> 2019, with an option for a further year after that. The contract will be signed on Friday lunchtime in the Club offices at the Camp Nou," the club stated.

"Sergio Busquets made his debut with the first team in September 2008 in the home league game against Racing Santander and has played 312 more games for the Club since then, winning 16 titles. He is currently the squad's fourth captain."

According to the reports, Busquets's new deal will see him become one of the highest-paid players in the squad, with a salary of around €10m (£7.5m, $11.3m) a year.