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Manchester United face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign highly-rated Fulham midfielder Josh King, according to reports in Spain.
King has been a rare positive in an otherwise disappointing season for the Cottagers, whose manager Alvaro Arbeloa is under increasing pressure.
The 19-year-old has scored two Premier League goals for a Fulham side who are currently bottom of the table with no wins in six games.
Such has been the form of King that United have been loosely linked with the England Under-21 international, who is contracted to Fulham until 2029.
However, Spanish publication SPORT understands Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the Fulham academy graduate.
Deco, the Barcelona sporting director, has reportedly added King to his list of targets ahead of future transfer windows.
SPORT understands Chelsea, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also considering the merits of King.
King has been with Fulham since the age of eight
King joined Fulham’s youth academy at the age of eight and signed his first professional contract at Craven Cottage in January 2024.
He made his professional debut as a second-half substitute in a Carabao Cup win over Birmingham City just seven months later.
After making 11 appearances for Fulham in 2024-25, King signed a new four-year contract with Fulham in July 2025.
And after scoring two goals last season, King has already matched that tally in the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign.
Contrasting fortunes for Barcelona and Man Utd
While Fulham are mired to the foot of the Premier League table, United – on the other hand – are enduring their own struggles this season.
The Red Devils have now made their worst start to a season for 40 years after drawing 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Michael Carrick, another manager facing scrutiny, has overseen just two wins in eight games in all competitions this season.
Barcelona meanwhile are in frightening form under Hansi Flick with the La Liga champions having made a 100 per cent start to 2026-27.
The Blaugrana have won their opening nine games in all competitions this season, scoring 39 goals across La Liga and the Champions League.
Both Barcelona and United are in action in midweek when they travel to Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid respectively in Europe’s premier club competition.
Meanwhile, Fulham entertain Hull City next Saturday in what is a must-win game for both the club and Arbeloa, who was named as head coach in July.
Fulham conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 at Ipswich Town on Saturday, with King receiving 76 minutes of football at Portman Road.
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