Di Maria's form has dropped off alarmingly after a promising start to life at Old Trafford.
And reports continue to insist that the Argentine ace could be shipped out at the end of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain are known to be interested but it is claimed that Di Maria wants a return to Spain, where he played previously for Real Madrid.
According to Spanish journalist Francois Gallardo, Barcelona are keen to oblige.
The Catalan club are currently under a transfer embargo that prevents them from registering any new players until January.
GETTY
Angel Di Maria has struggled at Manchester United
The first season is always difficult
Louis van Gaal
But Barca have previously stated that they could agree transfers in the summer, before making them official six months later.
Earlier this week Louis van Gaal insisted that Di Maria would be given time to prove his worth at Old Trafford.
“The first season is always difficult,” he said. “It is the same for all the players that we have bought – Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Radamel Falcao and also Di Maria.
“It is not a big surprise. It was more of a surprise when he played so well when he first arrived. We have to give him time – not just Di Maria but all the players.
“How long it takes a player to settle is dependant on so many aspects, not just the game but also the culture.
“The general answer is one year but you can’t give a general answer. It is easy to say that but I cannot prove that scientifically.”
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