Manchester United target Sergio Busquets 'set to sign new contract at Barcelona'

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is set to commit his future to the La Liga giants with a new deal after Manchester United recently approached him regarding a move to Old Trafford, according to reports in Spain.

The 26-year-old star has garnered a reputation as one of the world's best holding midfielders since ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola handed him his first-team debut at the Camp Nou in 2008.

Busquets has been a crucial player in the club's recent golden era, helping them to secure two Champions League crowns, while also playing an instrumental role for Spain during the victories in both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

And, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Catalan club want to reward him with a new deal that will see him become one of the highest-paid players in the squad, with a salary of around €10m (£7.5m) a year.

The Spanish newspaper reports Manchester United – and other European big clubs – have recently expressed their interest in bringing him to the Premier League.

However, Busquets reportedly did not listen to the Old Trafford proposal as he prefers to stay at his boyhood club.

Marca said Barcelona officials and the player's agent met earlier this week to iron out the details of a new contract, with the club expecting him to commit his future to the Camp Nou until 2019.

Meanwhile, the Spanish newspaper claims Barcelona are also unlikely to negotiate the departure of right-back Martin Montoya during the January transfer window even though the player recently expressed his desire to leave the club.

Liverpool have been linked with the defender since last summer but, according to reports, the Catalans are not ready to part ways with him as Dani Alves' contract is set to expire in the summer and they are unable to sign a replacement due to a Fifa transfer ban.