Barcelona line up huge midfield swap transfer with Inter Milan as both clubs look to resolve financial woes

BARCELONA and Inter Milan are linked with an exchange deal involving midfielders Franck Kessie and Marcelo Brozovic, according to reports.

The move was previously on the cards in January, but did not materialise, as Kessie did not want to leave the Nou Camp.

However, according to SPORT, the like-for-like swap in midfield still has substance, with specific factors making it an enticing possibility for both parties.

Reports suggest that Inter Milan’s technical director met with Barcelona officials last week to discuss the possibility of a swap deal.

The Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claims that both midfielders are valued at around £28million, a factor which would make a potential exchange relatively easy.

Brozovic, 30, joined Inter from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015 and has made 253 appearances for the club.

Despite some good performances this season, Brozovic has still looked likely to leave Inter in the summer amid growing tensions.

This comes as the defensive midfielder had to be separated from team-mate Andre Onana in training this week.

The Croatian star is considered a potential successor to Sergio Busquets in Barcelona’s midfield.

Additionally, Kessie has been on Inter’s wish list since he moved to Barcelona from AC Milan on a free transfer last summer.

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And ex-Inter boss Antonio Conte wanted to bring him to Tottenham in January.

Despite Kessie’s impressive form in the second half of this campaign, the club have refused to rule out his sale, due to the ongoing economic situation.

The Catalans finances are in huge jeopardy, with sky-rocketing debts expected to reach £1.3billion.

Cash-strapped Barca will need to shuffle their finances again this summer in order to refine Xavi’s squad and remain competitive next season.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk