Lionel Messi gives Barcelona bosses green light over transfer of Man Utd star

Barcelona are in the midst of a mini crisis after crashing out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage to Liverpool.

Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

After taking a 3-0 lead to Anfield for the second leg, the Spanish champions capitulated, suffering a 4-0 reverse.

And the club have been looking for a fall guy since the defeat, with several first-team members, even Messi himself, criticised.

One worry has been that the squad is not deep enough with cover from the substitutes bench not up to scratch.

Lionel Messi gives Barcelona bosses green light over transfer of Man Utd star
Lionel Messi is said to want Barcelona to sign Juan Mata from Man Utd (Pic: GETTY)

Several names have been touted who could come in and add to the group, and Mata could be one them.

The midfielder, who earns around £170,000 a week at Manchester United, is out of contract this summer and could for nothing.

Mata has been linked with Barcelona before and back then was said to be keen on a move but would have to take a pay cut.

The 31-year-old has one year left on his current deal and United could cash in should an offer be made.

Lionel Messi gives Barcelona bosses green light over transfer of Man Utd star
Mata has one year remaining on his Man Utd contract (Pic: GETTY)

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Messi has approved an approach for the former Chelsea and Valencia midfielder.

One possible makeweight in any deal could potentially Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazil international has been linked with a move to Manchester United after failing to live up to expectations at the Nou Camp.

However, Barca would be keen to recoup as much of the £142m they paid Liverpool for his services last January and Mata would not come anywhere near that amount.

Lionel Messi gives Barcelona bosses green light over transfer of Man Utd star
Man Utd star Mata previously played for Valencia in Spain (Pic: GETTY)