Barcelona transfer chiefs pay special visit to Manchester to discuss two targets

Barcelona executive Mateu Alemany has reportedly flown into Manchester to discuss two enormous transfer targets for Xavi’s side ahead of the upcoming January transfer window

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Press conference with Manchester United’s caretaker manager Michael Carrick ahead of his side’s Premier League match against Chelsea

Barcelona transfer chief Mateu Alemany has reportedly travelled to Manchester to discuss the potential transfers of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling and Manchester United striker Edison Cavani.

Alemany is one of the Catalan’s most highly esteemed and important executives when it comes to the negotiation of possible transfers for the Blaugrana.

The Spanish chief has reportedly flown into the country to visit City’s facilities and enquire about a possible loan move for Sterling.

Despite enjoying a sensational Euro 2020, the Englishman has once again seen his first team spot occupied by many of City’s technicians.

However, it is also claimed by Radio Barcelona (via Mundo Deportivo), that Xavi’s side are also courting a move for United striker Cavani.

Could Raheem Sterling and Edison Cavani be the key to Barcelona’s recovery? Comment below

The experienced Uruguayan has seen his shirt number and his position as the spearhead of United’s attacked usurped by the imperious Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite extending his stay at Old Trafford for another season, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli forward has only made five appearances for the Red Devils this season.

Barcelona are reportedly monitoring his situation and may seek to end Cavani’s United venture by bringing him to the Nou Camp in the January transfer window.

The Catalans were also interested in a move for Cavani last summer, however, their financial situation and their necessary urge to significantly reduce their wage bill resulted in a limited summer transfer window.

However, Alemany’s responsibilities in Manchester are reportedly more gravitated towards negotiations for Sterling.

The former Liverpool winger has only started four Premier League matches this season, as he has mainly been used by Pep Guardiola from the bench.

It has widely been reported that the experienced winger would be very interested in a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

However, while both Barcelona and Sterling seem to be keen on working with each other, a permanent move for Sterling would likely be impossible.

But, it is believed the Blaugrana would like to float the idea of a loan move for the Englishman.

Barcelona are still crippling beneath their financial pressures, meaning temporary loan moves or free transfers are essentially, the only transfers they could make.

Sterling still has the best part of 18 months still to run on his contract at the Sky Blues; thus ruling out any chances of a free transfer until the summer of 2023.

Moreover, any possible loan move for Sterling has also been described as ‘complicated’ due to the fact, City would likely need to sign a replacement to compensate for his absence.

The Englishman has previously opened on a desire to one day play in another division outside of the Premier League.

“If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it,” Sterling said to the Guardian.

“As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I’ve always thought: ‘You know, maybe one day I’d love to play abroad and see how I would come up against that challenge.’”