BARCELONA SEEKING INIESTA REPLACEMENT

Barcelona are seeking a replacement for outgoing midfield maestro Andres Iniesta. The La Liga champs are understood to be scouting Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen. This summer the priority seems to be the signature of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid to boost the attack.

The plan for Barca is to get Eriksen to support the weakening midfield compartment after Iniesta moved to Japan to play for Vissel Kobe. The Spaniard is one of the most decorated players in modern football history. He is expected to see off his illustrious career in Japan. Hence, Eriksen is the identified man to fill the void.

With Samuel Umtiti linked to Manchester United, Barcahave completed the deal for Sevilla’s Clement Lenglet even though they look to keep their French centre back.

Elsewhere in Europe, Roma are set to make a killing if either of Real Madrid or Liverpool convince them to sell their No. 1 goalkeeper Alisson. Madrid are poised to make some additions this summer, with the goalkeeping spot one of the possible areas to strengthen. Los Blancos could lure Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid and they could buy back Mariano from Lyon. The 13-times Champions of Europe have also been linked to Real Sociedad fullback Alvaro Odriozola as they prepare against the current aging fullbacks.

Atletico Madrid have been linked to former Real Madrid forward Angel Di Maria. The 30-year old is looking at exiting Paris St Germain, who have a new manager and are set for an overhaul to achieve their long standing interests in Europe.

In Italy, Gonzalo Higuain could exit Juventus this summer if an interested party can offer north of £50 million, as per reports. Juve want Inter skipper Mauro Icardi. They want to offer the 31-year old goalscorer plus cash to get the younger but proven Icardi. If Chelsea get Maurizio Sarri finally, Juve expect that the former Napoli manager will attempt to sign Higuain and it could be an opportunity to get Alvaro Morata plus cash.