Barcelona transfer news: Eriksen's agent reveals suitors, Shock Coutinho-Mbappe swap deal and more - 27th February 2018
Christian Eriksen's agent gives Barcelona boost
The Dane has been in splendid form for Tottenham this season, scoring 9 goals and creating 8 more in the Premier League and Champions League. The 26-year old is the primary creative spark in Mauricio Pochettino's attacking juggernaut headlined by Harry Kane's goalscoring heroics.
Naturally, Eriksen draws interest from top clubs across Europe as it is uncommon to find consistent quality playmakers. Now, his agent, Martin Schoots, has sparked further speculation of a possible move away from Spurs when he said:
"I don’t comment on rumours much. But when clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are mentioned, it’s always a compliment.”
"Since Christian was 14 years old, big clubs have shown interest. The first were Chelsea, AC Milan and Barcelona. Since then there has been no transfer window without any offer or interest."
“It is not all clubs known by the press. Christian is not a guy who wants to talk too much. He talks with his feet.”
Thus, Schoots has confirmed Barcelona interest more than once. While this could be a tactic to get a better contract from Tottenham, it could also be the first step towards the exit door for Eriksen. In such a scenario, the Blaugrana will have to fight off the likes of Madrid and Manchester United to land the Danish superstar.
PSG plotting swap deal to keep Neymar
The club hierarchy are already contemplating a potential swap deal with Barcelona in order to retain Neymar, as per French outlet, El Pais. The Brazilian is allegedly worried about fellow attacker Kylian Mbappe and the former sees the 19-year old to be a potential threat for winning the highly-coveted Ballon d'Or.
As per the report, PSG are willing to do whatever it takes to keep Neymar in France. Thus, they are contemplating a deal to bring the latest Barcelona signing, Philippe Coutinho. The Ligue 1 leaders are willing to offer the young forward plus cash for the Barcelona no.14, whom Neymar refers to as 'his brother' as they have grown up playing for Brazil from the youth levels.
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde will, however, be left in two minds if such an offer lands on his table in the summer. On one hand, Mbappe remains the best young striker in world football and could be the perfect long-term replacement for Luis Suarez. On the other hand, losing Coutinho after the efforts put in to sign him, especially to PSG after the Neymar deal, will not sit well with the club hierarchy.
Nevertheless, the club will have a huge decision to make should PSG go ahead with their plan.
Barcelona fighting Real Madrid for Clement Lenglet
The Blaugrana are interested in signing the 22-year old but will have to fend off competition from arch-rivals Real Madrid, as per Don Balon. The outlet reports that Los Blancos are willing to pay the centre-back's €30 million release clause.
In order to beat Madrid for signing Lenglet, Barcelona are willing to put in a more lucrative offer in front of Sevilla. The Catalan outfit are willing to add Aleix Vidal along with €22 million to land the Frenchman who has already forced himself into the first-team despite his age.
Meanwhile, this could serve as a return to Sevilla for Vidal after failing to make the expected impact at Camp Nou, since joining Barcelona in 2015. Thus, the attacking right-back could rekindle his career while the Blaugrana land a good centre-back to freshen their ageing backline.
However, any deal will not prove to be an easy one as Madrid can be expected to put in a tough fight. Thus, this could turn out to be an interesting battle in the summer.