Barcelona 'desperate to tie down Ansu Fati to new deal with eye-watering £274m release clause'

Barcelona want to offer a new deal to teenage star Ansu Fati amid interest from Manchester United - and plan to insert a staggering £274million release clause into his contract, reports claim.

The 17-year-old looks to be one of the rising stars in the game after scoring eight goals in his debut season for the club, with his performances attracting attention from a number of clubs in Europe.

And according to Spanish outlet Sport, the player's agent Jorge Mendes has informed Barcelona that United are in a position to make an 'astronomical' offer to bring him to Old Trafford.

The winger only signed a new three-year deal in December after his rise to prominence, and those terms already included a £144m buyout fee.

But with the club wary of rivals attempting to snare their prodigy away, they now intend to offer him fresh terms that will 'improve his contractual conditions' and increase his release clause significantly higher.

The report adds that the board are firm in their stance that they would not accept bids for the star after rejecting a £90m offer from United, despite his situation looking less clear a few months ago when he struggled to get into Quique Setien's side.

Sport claims 'several clubs', including Dortmund, made an approach for the player, but the club rejected the advances.

It adds that Barcelona are now keen to 'close the case' and ward off interest from United by giving him another renewal - even though the Red Devils could triple what he earns at the Nou Camp.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to bolster his squad this summer and is on the lookout for a new right winger - with Jadon Sancho said to be a high priority target. But if Dortmund refuse to sell or raise their asking price too high then he may be forced to look elsewhere.

If Barca manage to secure their eye-watering release clause then United would have to admit defeat in any pursuit of Fati, especially during these times of financial difficulties.

Despite only emerging in the first team this season, Fati has made 14 starts in all competitions, playing a total of 32 games.

The youngster, who was born in Guinea-Bissau but represents Spain internationally, joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of ten. He has become the youngest player to score for Barcelona in La Liga, as well as the youngest Barca star to feature in the Champions League.