Toure’s agent Dimitri Seluk said: “We are not happy with this obviously. He is not playing. It is very strange not to be having minutes. If a team like Chelsea or Manchester United would come to us, we are obviously open to talking without any kind of problem.

“Yaya won’t just sit and wait. He is 26 years old and is nominated for the Golden Ball award. It is ridiculous for a player like this not to be playing.

“I don’t know what will happen, but I can say once thing for sure: my player won’t be remaining on the bench. This is 100 per cent for sure.

“It would be a mistake for Barca to let him go. For instance, when Liverpool sold Xabi Alonso, Liverpool went downhill. That’s the same situation here. Yaya is a key player in organising the midfield and in attacking.”

Whether Yaya is of the same mould as Alonso is up for debate but he would certainly add some bite to the Man Utd midfield and would add quality to the team. Someone is needed to fill the Man Utd shirt that will have to be left by Scholes one day and although Yaya is still young he has experience of playing at the very top level, something that will prove valuable if he signs for united.