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Barcelona negotiating Rodrigo Moreno transfer with Valencia

Reuters
Reuters

Barcelona and Valencia are locked in talks over the transfer of striker Rodrigo Moreno.

Rodrigo, who returned from injury in Valencia's 2-0 win over Barca at Mestalla on Saturday, is the Catalans' top target as they seek a short-term replacement for the injured Luis Suarez and negotiations over the move are ongoing.

Valencia president Anil Murthy travelled to the Catalan capital on Monday to meet Barca CEO Oscar Grau, sporting director Eric Abidal and his assistant Ramon Planes, but the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement.

Barca want to take Rodrigo initially until the end of the season, but Valencia are only interested in a permanent transfer and are holding out €60 million, which would also include a loan fee.

The Catalans would rather wait and see how Rodrigo performs before committing to a permanent move, basing a summer switch on objectives – appearances made and goals scored between now and June.

But the Mestalla outfit are unwilling to lose one of their best players mid-season for next to nothing and will push for the move to be permanent.

Barcelona are prepared to offer striker Abel Ruiz and right-back Moussa Wague in part exchange, but Valencia are not interested in either player.

The Copa del Rey holders do need a right-back and would like to take Nelson Semedo. The Portuguese, however, is unlikely to be included in any deal as he remains a part of Barca's plans.

If a permanent move is agreed, it could be sealed for a figure closer to €50m, and former Valencia striker Paco Alcacer could return to Mestalla on loan from Borussia Dortmund as Rodrigo's replacement.

Valencia-based sports paper SuperDeporte are also reporting that the club will move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes if Rodrigo leaves this week.

Meanwhile, Barca are working on another possibility in case the move falls through, although the identity of the other forward is not yet known.

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