The transfer team at Barcelona have identified a new target in their ongoing search for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
That’s according to Sport, who have provided a fresh insight into the situation.
It is of course common knowledge that Joan Laporta and co. are keen to bring in a new deep-lying midfielder with a view to next season, amid the ongoing struggles of summer addition Oriol Romeu.
A whole host of names, in turn, have been tipped to take their talents to Catalunya’s capital.
As per Sport, though, a new ‘favourite’ has emerged in the race, in the form of Aston Villa standout Douglas Luiz.
Brazilian international Luiz is in the midst of a stellar campaign in the Premier League, continuing to play a central role in Aston Villa’s surprise push for a Champions League berth.
And his performances have not gone at all unnoticed at Barcelona, who have sent sporting director Deco to England on a number of occasions over recent months, to keep a close eye on the development of the 25-year-old.
The board at Villa Park are understood to want at least €60 million to part with their all-action engine room star, but Barca, as of yet, have not been deterred.
The plan at present therefore appears to be to bring in a ‘pivot’ on loan for the remainder of the term, before switching attentions to a big-money swoop for priority target Luiz.
Conor Laird | GSFN
