BARCELONA are ready to push ahead with plans to sign Memphis Depay, according to reports.
And boss Ronald Koeman is also refusing to rule out a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
Barcelona are pushing on with plans to sign DepayCredit: AFP or licensors
The Dutchman wants at least one new striker to bolster his squad after Luis Suarez left for Atletico Madrid.
Depay, 26, remains the club’s priority and it is reported Barca have agreed a fee with Lyon believed to be around £22million.
Koeman knows the former Manchester United forward well following his time as Holland boss.
Mundo Deportivo report how the deal is almost complete and personal terms have already been agreed.
Koeman also looked at Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak but were put off by his £64m release clause.
Inter’s Martinez remains another option although the Serie A side are holding out for £83m.
Koeman, however, has not conceded defeat in the quest to sign the Argentine although admitted finances are tight.
He said: “Nothing is ruled out. We are always looking for players to improve our game.
Barca have not given up on their plans to sign MartinezCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“It may be that the players you want aren’t possible because of the financial situation of the club, but I’ve accepted this – I knew it before I arrived.
“It is always more important to talk about the players who are here, not the ones who are missing. More players might come, but we must focus on the ones we have
“We are ready for the start of a complicated La Liga campaign. It will be very hard but for now we’ll just see what happens to the players.
“We have many quality players in attack; [Ousmane] Dembele, Ansu Fati … If the squad stays like this we will have to accept it. We need all the forwards we have, we have a lot of top quality people.
“We will have to alternate to stay fresh, but it’s good that we have the players there to do that.”
Luis Suarez and partner Sofia take to the pitch one last time to say goodbye to Barcelona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
