Man Utd boss Mourinho intervenes in Liverpool’s transfer plans with direct Barca approach

Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for a central midfielder when the January transfer window opens and Roberto is his priority target.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim Mourinho is keen to bring the Spaniard to Old Trafford and has promised to make him a focal point of his plans going forward.

Roberto is currently under contract with Barca until 2019 and wants to stay at the Nou Camp but negotiations over a new deal have stalled.

The 25-year-old is reportedly asking for increased wages but Barca are refusing to meet his demands.

And Mourinho is now keen to take advantage of the situation by offering him a way out.

Barca are reluctant to give him a pay rise as they want to save the money to help them land Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho next month or at the end of the seasno. 

However, Liverpool are playing hardball in any negotiations with Barca over the Brazilian’s future.

Diario Gol claim Liverpool have also asked for Roberto to be included in any potential transfer involving Coutinho.

Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer of the Spain international and would welcome him at Anfield if he has to lose Coutinho.

However, with Mourinho’s interference, Roberto may be left with a decision to make in the New Year between both Premier League giants if Barca refuse to meet his demands.

Negotiations regarding Coutinho could also hit a stumbling block with Mourinho shaking up Liverpool and Barca’s transfer plans.