Manchester United have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba.

What's the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 18-year-old in recent weeks as Barca have so far been unable to extend his contract, which currently expires next summer.

Well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently provided an update on Moriba's situation, tweeting some intriguing quotes from the Blaugrana's president Joan Laporta.

He tweeted: "Barça president Joan Laporta again on Ilaix Moriba: “We cannot allow him to be promoted [to the first-team] and then leave. We won't accept that with any player. If he wants to go and it’s because he has other options, he can leave the club".

Manchester United fans will be buzzing

Moriba established himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in La Liga last season, scoring one goal and providing three assists in 18 senior appearances for his boyhood club.

However, with only 12 months remaining on his existing deal and no resolution in sight, an imminent Camp Nou exit could be on the cards for the teenager, who has rejected the club's offer of a new contract.

The Spain under-18 international is likely to have plenty of potential suitors given his impressive array of skills, but news of Moriba's availability will surely have the United supporters buzzing.

With Paul Pogba's future far from secure, Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is thought to be in the market for a new central midfielder over the coming months.

Big names such as Leon Goretzka, Saul Niguez and Eduardo Camavinga have reportedly caught the eye of the 20-time English champions, yet Moriba's arrival would bring just as much intrigue as the aforementioned stars.

The 6 ft maestro would add significant strength in depth to United's engine room, an area of weakness for them for so long, providing Solskjaer with the necessary tools to bring major trophies back to the red half of Manchester.

Whether the club's hierarchy follow up their interest in Moriba with a concrete offer remains to be seen, but fans must be delighted to hear that he seems far from committed to the Barcelona cause.

In other news...Ole must move £7.2m-rated Man Utd ace this summer, he’s not been good enough so far