Barca to rivals Fergie for target

Manchester United look set to do battle with Spanish giants Barcelona for the signature of Valencia defender Jordi Alba this summer.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been heavily linked with a swoop for the highly-rated left-back since January as he is looking to find a long-term replacement for 31-year-old France international Patrice Evra at Old Trafford. However, it now looks like United will face a scrap with Barca for the 23-year-old as the Catalan outfit look to replace the recently retired Eric Abidal at the Nou Camp. Alba, who worked his way through the youth ranks and into Valencia's first-team while also becoming a key play in the Spanish national side, ruled out the prospect of leaving the club for United at the turn of the year. Therefore, it would seem Barca are in pole position to sign him as Valencia's sporting director Braulio Vazquez is expecting a bid to come in from their La Liga rivals. "I suppose Barcelona want him because he's Catalan and plays on the left wing," said Vasquez. "We are obviously talking about an excellent player, and it's only normal that Barcelona are keen to sign him."