Man Utd joined by Barcelona in £100m transfer battle for Inter Milan superstar Lautaro Martinez

BARCELONA have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race for £100million Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

The LaLiga champions were dealt a major blow in their race for the Spanish title after hitman Luiz Suarez picked up a knee injury that will sideline him for four months.

Despite having Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele at their disposal, new Barca boss Quique Setien has been tasked with finding a replacement goal scorer.

According to TNTSportsLA, Nou Camp chiefs are preparing to bid £100m for Martinez to replace crooked Suarez.

The Argentine has hit 15 goals in 25 games this season and pushed Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez out of the Inter starting 11.

It is understood United have also been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old as they also search for a forward having missed out on Erling Haaland this month.

Barca will move for Martinez this month with Antonio Conte close to linking up with Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.

The Spanish giants were thought to be looking at Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as their top priority this window.

But Goal reported Barca were set to make an audacious loan move for their skipper, with the offer sure to be laughed at.

Barca sit level on points with Real Madrid with Suarez having scored 11 league goals.

But the 32-year-old has been plagued by issues with his right knee for months, getting through training and games by having injections.

The striker was spotted arriving at a hospital in Barcelona where it was decided an operation was the only option.