Barcelona Transfer News: Hakan Calhanoglu Eyed Amid Manchester United Rumours

Barcelona have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu.

Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has been previously reported as interested in the Turkey international Calhanoglu, per Italian outlet Tutto Mercato (h/t the Mirror). 

However, Barcelona look set to challenge the Manchester outfit for the 21-year-old's signature with Turkish outlet Milliyet (h/t Jamie Anderson in the Daily Star) indicating that the Camp Nou giants are readying a January swoop. 

Barcelona's FIFA-imposed registration ban finally lifts in January, and it can't come soon enough for manager Luis Enrique.

Recent injuries to Lionel Messi, Rafinha and Andres Iniesta have brutally exposed a significant lack of depth in Barcelona's attack, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

While summer signings Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan will be eligible to play in the new year, Barca still need to add to their ranks if they are to have the depth to compete on all fronts.

Turkey international Calhanoglu is a fantastic talent, able to play across the midfield, either in an advanced role in the centre or as a winger on either flank.

The youngster is already famed for his spectacular set-piece taking:

Bayer are unlikely to be willing to sell Calhanoglu, one of their star players, in January. He only joined them from Hamburg for €14.5 million (£10.8 million) in the summer of 2014. 

Given that he is only set to improve with greater experience and the fact that he is just over a year into a five-year contract, Calhanoglu will not come cheap.

Leverkusen may be persuaded if Barca offer in the region of £30 million, though, and the La Liga giants should be prepared to shell out such a sum.

The Catalans need to strengthen their squad and Calhanoglu would be an excellent long-term investment.

He is a talented player destined for the top of the game, and it is no surprise that United and Barca are both reportedly interested in him.