BARCELONA have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of Memphis Depay with reports suggesting the Dutch ace could be available for a discounted price.
French outlet L’Equipe claim the Lyon star could cost the Nou Camp giants £4.5million with the striker entering the final months of his contract.
Lyon star Memphis Depay could be available for £4.5million according to reports Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
The ex-Manchester United striker, who has found the net seven times in 15 Ligue 1 appearances this term, had been valued around £40million earlier this year.
And the reported price drop could come as welcome news to the Catalan side who are eager to reduce their wage bill following the Covid crisis’s impact on their finances.
SunSport reported the club’s debt had risen to a staggering £443m with revenue down £122.5m due to the pandemic.
And Barca, who sold Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez in a bid to cut their salary spend, are thought to be keen on flogging several players to boost transfer funds including Philippe Coutinho.
The ex-Liverpool ace’s weekly wage is reported to cost Barcelona around £190,000-a-week.
Depay, whose contract with Lyon is due to expire at the end of the season, has been in fine form for club and country this term.
And the player is reportedly a top target for Barca boss Ronald Koeman who had been linked with a double summer swoop for the winger and Manchester City star Eric Garcia.
Memphis Depay says he is “100 per cent focused” on LyonCredit: Rex Features
Barcelona, who are due to play Valladolid, have underperformed at times in Spain’s top flight this term.
It is thought Koeman, who faces losing star captain Lionel Messi next summer, sees Depay as a solid option to boost his team’s attack.
However, his Dutch compatriot has refused to be drawn on speculation concerning his future and hints that he is “100 per cent focused” on Lyon.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
