Manchester United are ready to smash the current British record for a transfer fee in order to land Valencia striker David Villa, according to British tabloid The Daily Mirror.
Apparently, the Red Devils are willing to offer €52.8 million (£45m) in exchange for the prolific goalscorer's services.
It was thought that 'El Guaje' (The Kid) was on his way to Real Madrid, seemingly ruling fellow Premier League giants Chelsea out of the race for his signature.
However, the Spanish press reported on Sunday that Los Che want €30 million plus Alvaro Negredo, while Los Blancos are only content to bid €25m plus the former Spain Under-21 forward.
Since then, Barcelona have claimed that they are in discussions to take the 5ft 9in striker to the Nou Camp this summer.
However, it is said that Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is confident of snapping-up the 45-time capped Spain international, who has scored 29 goals for La Furia Roja.
The record fee for a player joining a British club at present is Robinho's €38.2m (£32.5m) switch from Real Madrid to Manchester City in September 2008.