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Barcelona want to make Manchester City star Ferran Torres one of Xavi’s first signings as boss.
The Barca legend is keen for the 21-year-old Spanish international to be a key figure in his rebuild.
But financial issues at the Camp Nou mean they may struggle to meet City’s valuation.
Torres swapped Valencia for the Etihad 18 months ago for £19.5million plus bonuses and the Premier League champions would want at least double that now.
According to The Times, the versatile winger would like to move to Barca due to a lack of game time at City.
Torres only made four top-flight starts before fracturing his foot while on international duty with Spain in October.
The two clubs share a good relationship and Barca executives confirmed conversations have taken place over a transfer.
Vice-president Rafael Yuste said: “Ferran is a great player and we are working with discretion.
“We have friends at Manchester City and there is a good relationship there. Ferran Reverter has paid a courtesy call.
“I understand the questions but, out of respect for the players and the clubs, we cannot give expectations that could end up being positive or negative.”
The Catalan giants may also make a move for Raheem Sterling, who City would be willing to sell.
Ralf eyes RB raid
Ralf Rangnick wants to raid former club RB Leipzig to make his first Manchester United signing in January.
Mali midfielder Amadou Haidara is high on the German’s wishlist in his first window at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old made his 100th Leipzig appearance at the weekend and can operate as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role.
Rangnick signed Haidara when he was the German club’s boss back in 2018 and remains a big fan.
The Mail say United will send scouts to watch him play against Union Berlin on Friday and Manchester City in the Champions League next week ahead of a potential move.
In other news
Marca believe Barcelona are also interested in struggling United forward Anthony Martial.
Wolves are ready to lower their asking price for winger Adama Traore to £20m with Liverpool still interested in the 25-year-old, according to Football Insider.
The same website believe West Ham may make a move for Reds centre-back Nat Phillips in January after Angelo Ogbonna’s season-ending injury.
