Manchester United and Chelsea both offered £70million for Barcelona star Fermin Lopez this summer, according to reports in Spain.
United have signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to play in the two No 10s in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Chelsea meanwhile want Alejandro Garnacho from United and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
But according to Catalan-based publication Sport, the two Premier League giants tabled huge bids for Fermin, who can play as an attacking midfielder or off the left-hand side, in July.
Sport reports the offers caused tension in the Barcelona boardroom as some wanted to sell and others preferred keeping the highly-rated 22-year-old.
It is claimed Flick then stepped in and demanded the player – who has made a total of 89 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 19 goals and registering 11 assists – remain at Camp Nou.
Reports in Spain have claimed Man United and Chelsea bid £70m for Fermin Lopez in July
Hansi Flick reportedly intervened and told Barcelona not to sell the highly-rated midfielder
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Fermin, twice capped by Spain, is in line for an important role under Flick this season.
Sport also reports Flick has accepted rejecting the two reported offers for Fermin has prevented him from investing heavily in Barcelona’s squad in the transfer window.
United have spent more than £200m on a new frontline after signing Benjamin Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo.
Chelsea have splashed out nearly £250m, including £60m on Joao Pedro, but have recouped a huge sum through player sales.
Barcelona began their LaLiga campaign with a 3-0 win at Mallorca last Saturday and travel to Levante this Saturday.
