The powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona have added a new name to their shortlist of midfield targets with a view to the summer.
That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Friday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital.
Deco and his team of directors, it is understood, have set their sights on OGC Nice standout Khéphren Thuram.
France international Thuram, for his part, is currently in the midst of a stellar season in his home country, which has seen the 23-year-old pique the attentions of top clubs across the continent.
Earlier this year, Real Madrid were named as keen admirers of the deep-lying midfielder, with Italian giants AC Milan, and a number of clubs from the Premier League, also understood to be keeping a close eye on his situation at Nice.
Thuram’s terms at the Allianz Riviera are due to come to a close in the summer of 2025, with little progress having been made in negotiations between the parties regarding a renewal.
As much means that Nice could be left with little choice but to cash in later this year, hopeful of bringing in a sum in the region of €35 million.
In the knowledge that this fee could well be driven down, though, Barcelona are giving serious consideration to a move for Thuram, a more affordable option than first-choice target Amadou Onana of Everton.
Deco is of the opinion that the Frenchman, son of former Blaugrana defender Lilian, boasts the required blend of physical and technical attributes needed to reinforce the base of the club’s ranks in the middle of the park.
Conor Laird | GSFN
