Transfer Talk: Barca find Sterling to fund Raheem swoop

Struggling Barcelona are plotting a January move for Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling.

The cash-strapped LaLiga giants have won only three of their opening seven league clashes this term following a humbling summer of financial disarray and high-profile departures.

Lionel Messi’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain came after the club announced annual losses of £410million and a total debt of over £1.15bn, meaning any new arrivals were signed as free transfers. 

However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the Blaugrana’s savvy summer means reinforcements are not out of the question in January.

Sterling, 26, is high on the club’s wish list and would link up with two former City team-mates Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero, who both swapped Manchester for the Camp Nou at the end of last season.

Despite featuring in all of City’s Premier League fixtures to date in 2021-22, the England forward has only started on two occasions and could be tempted to leave in search of a guaranteed starting berth.

RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo is another top target for Barca, with the 23-year-old said to be keen on a return to his native Catalonia having progressed through La Masia as a youngster.

Much of their approach will likely depend on the future of beleaguered boss Ronald Koeman, with 90min claiming the club remain locked in negotiations with club legend Xavi to replace the Dutchman.

In other news

The Daily Mail report that Manchester United have identified AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba.

Contract talks are still at a stalemate between the Red Devils and their 28-year-old Frenchman, meaning the World Cup winner could negotiate a move elsewhere as soon as January. 

Now United are eyeing up 24-year-old Ivory Coast international Kessie as a long-term solution — though they will face competition from PSG and Tottenham, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.

Everton assistant Duncan Ferguson was in attendance for Stoke’s 1-0 victory over West Brom on Friday night as the Toffees run the rule over Potters defender Harry Souttar.

The Sun believe the Merseysiders are taking precautionary steps in fear of Yerry Mina departing Goodison Park, with the Colombian said to be eyeing a move to Serie A. 

Scotland-born Souttar, 22, represents Australia at international level through his mother and is in demand after a string of commanding performances in the Championship.

Timo Werner could soon see his challenging Chelsea spell come to an end with four of Europe’s biggest clubs set to offer the German international an escape route.

According to the Daily Express, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are potential destinations for the 25-year-old, who has 14 goals in 60 appearances for the Blues.