Barcelona make contact with in-demand midfielder over summer transfer - report

Barcelona have made contact with Everton over a potential deal to sign midfielder Amadou Onana, according to a report.

Barcelona have been open with their desire to reinforce in midfield even before the devastating knee injury suffered by Gavi, which has left Xavi's side short in the heart of the pitch.

Onana was touted as a potential target during January before sporting director Deco admitted there was no money to make any signings, but he has now been linked with a summer transfer to Catalonia.

According to Sport, Deco has reached out to Everton to lodge his interest in joining the battle for Onana's signature.

Onana, 22, has impressed since joining Everton for £33m in 2022 and has often been linked with a move to a number of Premier League giants, with Arsenal and Chelsea regularly tipped to move for the Belgium international.

Due to the interest in his services, Everton are expected to demand €60m (£51m) to part ways with Onana, but such a figure is beyond what Barcelona will be able to pay. Deco recently admitted there will be no big signings this summer but stressed his commitment to improving the team.

Indeed, Barcelona are only prepared to part with €40m (£34m) to sign Onana - a figure which Barca are well aware falls below expectations.

Barcelona officials are instead hoping that Onana will voice a desire to join Barcelona and effectively force his club to listen to offers from the Catalan outfit, although his feelings towards a move to La Liga are currently unknown.

Nevertheless, Deco has pledged to make an offer to Onana. Barcelona are looking for somebody with his physical attributes to take up a "Yaya Toure role" in the squad and help give the team a new dynamic.

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