BARCELONA have drawn up a sensational five-man summer shortlist, according to reports.
And the Catalan giants are hoping that this show of ambition can convince Lionel Messi to stay.
Barca have drawn up their five-man shortlist
Lionel Messi has entered the final few months of his contractCredit: AP:Associated Press
New president Joan Laporta has pledged to bring in some fresh talent, as Barca look to rebuild.
But SunSport last night revealed that the Messi camp require proof that Laporta can spend big if he is to even entertain a new deal.
Mundo Deportivo claim that Laporta is targeting the likes of Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero, David Alaba, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay.
Of those five players, Haaland is Barca’s ‘big dream’, having scored 47 goals in 47 games for Borussia Dortmund.
They are aware, however, that he will be by far the hardest to get.
The Norwegian’s contract contains a £65million release clause, due to become active in the summer of 2022.
But owing to the amount of interest, in particular from the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, Barcelona expect Haaland to cost at least £95m – given what agent Mino Raiola will expect to earn as well.
In a boost to Ronald Koeman’s side, Laporta DOES have a good relationship with Raiola, which would make agreeing a deal easier.
Erling Haaland has scored 47 goals in 47 games for Borussia DortmundCredit: Rex Features
Sergio Aguero’s appearances this season have largely been as a substituteCredit: AFP
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Should Haaland be too difficult to attain for the debt-stricken club, Aguero has emerged as a back-up option.
The 32-year-old is set to be out of contract in the summer, and has struggled for game time at City this season.
Aguero is ‘crazy’ about linking up with his Argentina national team pal Messi and would even be willing to ‘take a pay cut’ to seal a switch.
Another target to soon be out of contract is David Alaba, who has already confirmed that he will be leaving Bayern Munich.
The Austrian, 28, is interested in Barcelona, but his rumoured £400,000-a-week demands provide a major stumbling block.
‘Wooed’ by Barca’s interest, however, agent Pini Zahavi is reportedly willing to wait on a decision from Laporta.
Eric Garcia will return from Man City on a free transfer, having already agreed a five-year contract back at his boyhood club.
Eric Garcia will leave Man City in the summerCredit: Rex Features
David Alaba has confirmed his upcoming Bayern Munich exitCredit: Reuters
And Barca are expected to reprise last summer’s interest in Lyon star Memphis Depay – with the Dutchman also having entered the final few months of his contract.
Manager Koeman, 57, believes Messi can have no doubt that the team are headed in the right direction.
The Dutchman said: “In general, Leo has seen that the team is getting better and better.
“With the changes we’ve made, bringing in young players, Messi can have no doubts about the future of this team.”
Koeman then added: “As for Leo’s future, it’s up to him to decide. Nobody can help him.
“He has seen for a long time that there is a lot of promise in this team. That’s not going to be an argument for him not to stay.”
Memphis Depay is expected to leave Lyon this summerCredit: AFP or licensors
Ronald Koeman has backed Lionel Messi to stayCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
