Manchester United have approached Barcelona for midfielder Yaya Toure.

The Daily Mail says United have asked about Barcelona midfielder Toure amid growing concern over the fitness of Owen Hargreaves.

England midfielder Hargreaves has been restricted to just 25 appearances since joining United from Bayern Munich for £17m two years ago, and there are worries over his future after two major knee operations last season.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists Hargreaves will be back before the end of the year but has asked about Toure, who could be allowed to leave Barcelona if Liverpool's Javier Mascherano is signed to perform the holding role.