Why Manchester United transfer negotiators John Murtough and Matt Hargreaves were spotted in Barcelona

Manchester United football director John Murtough and head of director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves flew to Barcelona for a routine meeting on Monday.

Sources have told the Manchester Evening News the trip is being described as "routine business" to meet sporting directors and agents to understand the transfer market ahead of the summer window.

The pair attended general meetings that were described as "nothing new". Murtough travelled to Barcelona outside the transfer window last season and has also met sporting directors at Juventus and AC Milan.

Murtough and Hargreaves were accompanied by Frank Trimboli, the head of football at the Base Soccer agency, and Spain-based Base agent Federico Massai. Massai resides in Madrid.

United pursued Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the summer of 2022 and agreed an €85million fee with the Catalans but De Jong's wage deferrals were an insurmountable stumbling block.

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Murtough was filmed in Barcelona along with United's chief executive at the time Richard Arnold in July 2022 in an attempt to force through a move for De Jong. United did not approach De Jong last year.

It is unclear if Murtough will accept a more administrative role or leave after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford head-hunted Dan Ashworth. Murtough is still attending United matches and remains a lead figure in the club's recruitment plans for the summer transfer window.

A source who has dealt with Hargreaves said he has been trying to change United's image in the transfer market during his dealings.