Barcelona take a 1-0 lead to their Champions League 2nd-leg over Schalke, but will need to play without Ronaldinho & Messi, who are both injured – Weds. Click here for the latest match odds!

Ezequiel Garay has played down speculation about his future amid reports that Manchester United are now the favourites to sign the Racing Santander defender.

Barcelona had previously been expected to sign Garay in the summer for a fee in the region of £14million.

United scout Martin Ferguson has watched Garay in action on several occasions this season, while Juventus also hold an interest in the 21-year-old defender.

“I am calm,” Garay told skysports.com. “These questions are for my agent and the club, but it is normal that I wish to progress in my career.

“If a big offer finally arrives, then I do not have a preference about a concrete destination.”

The player’s agent Ricardo Schlieper say it is merely a matter of time – and the right price – before the his client leaves Racing.

Schlieper told the Santander media: “Other big European clubs are also interested, but it is a simple money question.

“Santander desire the sale in the best conditions for the club.”

Barcelona take a 1-0 lead to their Champions League 2nd-leg over Schalke, but will need to play without Ronaldinho & Messi, who are both injured – Weds. Click here for the latest match odds!