Manchester United are the favourites to lure Marc Bartra away from Barcelona according to reports.

The Daily Mirror is of the belief that the Red Devils are showing significant interest in the 24-year-old defender and are plotting a January move for his services.

Additional reports in Spain indicate that Bartra is seeking regular first team football after featuring just five times in the league for the Catalan giants this season.

United boss Louis van Gaal is believed to still be planning a move for a central defender after failing to land Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos in the summer.

The Dutchman's relationship with Carles Puyol, who is set to step into the player agency caper, could see Bartra move to Old Trafford once the eight-time Spain international links up with the former Barca captain, according to Mundo Deportivo.