BARCELONA have six star names on their summer shortlist, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants are rebuilding under Ronald Koeman.
And, while new president Joan Laporta is optimistic about keeping Lionel Messi, Barca require fresh blood around their iconic No10.
According to Sport, the title-chasing Catalans have their eyes on six key targets – with securing a new striker at the top of their wishlist.
Erling Haaland is the highest-profile name that they are courting up front, with the Norwegian’s father Alf-Inge and agent Mino Raiola having visited club chiefs last month.
Haaland, 20, has scored 25 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season to make him arguably the most in-demand player in the world.
But Barca could win the race to his signature, with the attraction of playing alongside Messi a key factor.
A cheaper option, however, has emerged in soon-to-be free agent Sergio Aguero, with the Manchester City star reportedly eager to join Barcelona.
The Argentine, 32, showed he’s still got it at the weekend when he scored a stunning goal against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, boss Koeman, 58, is a big fan of former Manchester United star Memphis Depay, having worked with his compatriot as manager of the Dutch national team.
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With Depay’s contract, like Aguero’s, set to expire this summer, Barca could land themselves a bargain from Lyon.
Depay, 27, has scored 19 goals and laid on ten assists in 35 Ligue 1 outings for the French side this term.
Barca’s fourth striker option is long-term target Lautaro Martinez, who just got his hands on the Serie A title with Inter Milan.
Like so many others, the Argentine is attracted by playing with his fellow countryman Messi.
The 23-year-old has scored 15 goals and made eight assists in the Italian top flight this season.
Barca’s six-man shortlist is rounded off by another two upcoming free agents.
Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum has shown little inclination to extend his deal at Anfield.
And the Dutchman, another to have worked with Koeman before, appears likely to take his talents to Spain at the end of the season.
Eric Garcia rounds off the list, meanwhile, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola having recently admitted that he expects the talented defender to join Barcelona.
He said: “Most of the time he’s not on the bench because he’s going to move to Barcelona, I hope so.
“It’s tough, but it is what it is.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
