Barcelona Transfer News: Angel Di Maria Offered by Agent, Fresh Koke Rumours

Angel Di Maria could find himself returning to La Liga, with the Catalan press proclaiming Barcelona are currently interested in his services.

Spanish newspaper Sport (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Express) says Di Maria's agent Jorge Mendes is "looking for an exit route" for the Argentina superstar after a difficult first 12 months at Old Trafford. 

Football writer Sergi Dominguez shared the front cover of the story on social media:

The former Real Madrid man became United's record purchase last summer, but a series of injuries and bad form has seen Di Maria confined to Louis van Gaal's bench, with Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini preferred by the coach. 

Jefferson explained Luis Enrique intends to add a world-class name to his 2014-15 treble-winning squad, with ADM fitting the bill in terms of stature and quality. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

However, despite the claims of Sport, Di Maria recently commented to the Sun about his immediate future, and he said he was determined to perform in the Premier League, per Sky Sports:

"

I have just finished my first season playing for Manchester United. It was a hard season for me. I think it was hard because it was another country and another league, and this league is harder than the Spanish one. So, I couldn't adapt myself as I wanted to. Now I will play the Copa America and then I will move back to Manchester for next season and do my best there.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

The 27-year-old scored just three goals during his first year in England, creating 51 chances in his 27 EPL appearances, per Squawka.com. It became quite clear as to why Di Maria could not force his way into LvG's plans at the end of the campaign, and there is every chance United might cash in, if the price is agreeable. 

But the winger will not want to be seen as a failure in the English league after making such a high profile exit from Los Blancos. Former United assistant manager, Steve Round, recently backed the player to make a splash in his second season, as quoted by Sky Sports:

"It takes time at Manchester United to establish yourself and come through. We will [also] see the best of Angel Di Maria next season. He's a top player who has played at the highest level."

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

In other news, Koke is said to be on the verge of joining the Camp Nou giants, as the politics surrounding the superclub's presidential campaign go into overdrive.

Marca quote presidential candidate Toni Freixa telling Al Primer Toque he is unaware if former chief Josep Maria Bartomeu has sealed the signing of the Atletico Madrid star, but that "if Koke wants to join Barca, he will, with or without Bartomeu as president."

The 24-year-old was once again influential for the disposed champions last term, providing 14 assists in La Liga and Europe during the season, per WhoScored.com.

Di Maria would slip straight into duty at the Camp Nou, with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar by his side, but it is unlikely he will call time on his United career just yet.

However, a bad start to next season could see him look for a quick exit in January or beyond, and he will find a host of clubs queueing for his signature. 

Koke looks a much more likely signing, with Atletico often selling their best players to the elite of European club football. The loss of the midfielder would be a huge blow to Diego Simeone, but the allure of Barca might be too much for the player.