Man Utd have become the frontrunners to sign Alexis Sanchez after reportedly upping their offer to £27 million.
The 22-year-old Udinese winger is the subject of a three-way tussle between United, rivals Man City and Barca.
Yesterday, United's CEO David Gill flew out to Barcelona to meet Udinese president Gino Pozzo to agree terms.
The bid is around £4 million more than Gill had hoped to pay and, if successful, would take the club's summer spending to £82 million.
Sanchez is said to favour a move to Old Trafford above all other options.