LYON star Memphis Depay is reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona after going house-hunting in Catalonia.
The 27-year-old is poised to link up with the Blaugrana on a free transfer in the summer having refused to sign a new deal to remain in France.
Following his flop spell at Manchester United, the Dutch forward has starred in Ligue 1 where he has become a key player for Lyon.
This season he has chipped in with 22 goals and ten assists in 39 games in all competitions – helping his side qualify for the Champions League.
And according to Mundo Deportivo, he has set his eyes on a switch to Spain to link up with former Holland boss Ronald Koeman.
They state that he was looking for houses in Barcelona with his family two weeks ago when visiting the city.
He is claimed to have been searching in the Pedralbes area of having been advised by his countryman and Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
French news outlet L’Equipe have reported that his impending move to join the LaLiga giants is ‘close’ to being finalised.
They have revealed that Depay’s representatives hope to announce the deal before the delayed Euro 2020 tournament which starts on June 11.
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But Marca have declared that Depay will only link up with Barcelona should Koeman still be in charge of the club.
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Koeman – who managed Depay between 2018-2020 for Holland – is under pressure at the Nou Camp.
Despite guiding his side to Copa del Rey glory, Barca’s inconsistent form has seen them fall short in their quest to win LaLiga.
They have failed to win any of their last three league matches, which has seen them drop to third in the table and seven points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Barca also crashed out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.
It was their earliest exit in the European Cup since 2007 where they were knocked out by Liverpool.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
