Man United to kick off spending spree with move for Barcelona midfielder

1 Manchester United target Alex Song

Manchester United’s summer spending spree will begin with a big-money move for Alex Song, according to sources in Spain.

The former Arsenal favourite has struggled for first-team football since joining Barcelona for £15million in 2012.

In his first season he started 17 La Liga games, and this term just 15 appearances in all competitions.

That has led to speculation about his future, with Napoli manager Rafa Benitez thought to be a big fan, but now David Moyes is the front-runner to land him.

The United boss, who could have as much as £150million to spend this summer, is keen to seal a move for the 26-year-old.

Song would add some much-needed steel to the side’s struggling midfield and could reform his lethal partnership with ex-Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie, who he regularly found with pinpoint through-balls during their time at the Emirates.

It has been suggested that Song is currently happy at Barca, where he feels integrated with the squad, but he will explore his options at the end of the season as he bids to secure guaranteed first-team football.

And with his midfield options limited, Moyes would be able to accommodate the request.