MY ACCOUNT
Barcelona are intent on adding a world-class forward to their ranks this summer — and their superstar shortlist is down to four names.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Barca boss Xavi has been promised an elite addition to his attacking options by club president Joan Laporta.
Their top target remains Borussia Dortmund’s scoring sensation Erling Haaland.
Haaland, 21, has netted 23 goals in 21 appearances this term for BVB but is widely expected to depart for pastures new at the end of the campaign.
Blaugrana chiefs see him as a potential face of the club for the next decade but are also realistic about competing financially with the likes of Manchester City — the current frontrunners for the Norwegian.
Should striking a deal for Haaland prove impossible, Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah is said to be their No2 choice.
Though not possessing the same long-term value as Haaland, 29-year-old Salah is one of world football’s great goalscorers and his Anfield future remains in doubt.
Talks between the Reds and the Egyptian over a new deal have made little progress in recent months and the LaLiga giants are quietly confident of luring him to Catalonia.
Third on the list is veteran marksman Robert Lewandowski, with the Pole as prolific as ever despite his advancing years.
Reports last year suggested that Lewandowski, 33, wishes to leave Bavaria soon in search of a new challenge and both Barca and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked.
With 43 goals in 36 appearances this term, he remains the most lethal No9 in top-level football.
Finally, Barca are also open to the idea of offering Romelu Lukaku a route out of crisis club Chelsea.
The Belgian only returned to the Blues last summer for a whopping £97.5million but his second stint at Stamford Bridge has so far been underwhelming.
The 28-year-old has just five Premier League goals to his name this term and with ongoing uncertainty off the field in West London, a switch cannot be entirely ruled out.
In other news
The Mirror say that Manchester United are considering a fresh move for Tottenham forward Harry Kane this summer.
Lionel Messi’s father has contacted Barcelona about a possible return, according to 90min, with the Argentine now unsettled at PSG.
West Ham, Everton and Brentford are all interested in Nottingham Forest’s 25-year-old defender Joe Worrall, claim the Sun.
