Sevilla star Carlos Bacca’s agent Sergio Barila has revealed that his client wants to join a Champions League club amid interest from Manchester United, reports the Daily Star.
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However, he also hinted that the 28-year-old could join side AS Roma because of his religious leanings. The Italian side could also offer Bacca Champions League football after finishing second in Serie A.
Barila said: “Carlos is deeply religious and, in Rome, there is the Pope – and apart from that we are talking about one of the best clubs [Roma]. If Bacca were to leave Sevilla, it will not be for the money but a chance to play in the Champions League.”
This desire to join a side in Europe’s premier club competition is somewhat odd as he is already at one. Sevilla qualified for next year’s edition by winning the Europa League, and will go straight in to the group stages. However, he could also be meaning a team that regularly qualifies for a place at Europe’s top table.
The Spanish side haven’t played in the Champions League proper since the 2010/11 season.
The Red Devils are interested in the forward to replenish their striking ranks; Radamel Falcao has left Old Trafford after his loan from AS Monaco ended, while Robin van Persie appeared to be showing the effects of his 31-years by scoring just ten goals last time round.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and according to ESPN, several Italian sides are interested in the experienced forward. Beyond RVP, the likes of Nani [TalkSPORT], Javier Hernandez [Daily Star] and Angel Di Maria [Express] have all also been linked with a move away from Manchester.
While United are considering a move for the Colombian hitman Bacca, the likes of Antoine Griezmann [Metro], Robert Firmino [Metro], Gonzalo Higuain [Daily Star] and Nicolas Gaitan [O Jogo via the Metro] are all believed to be being considered by Louis van Gaal.