Barcelona reportedly face competition from Juventus to sign Lyon forward Memphis Depay.
Ronald Koeman, who worked with Depay during his time in charge of the Holland national team, identified him as a key target in the summer but a deal never materialised.
Depay’s contract expires at the end of this season and could be available for as little as £4.5million when the transfer window opens next month.
It is not clear if cash-strapped Barcelona will make their move for Depay in January or wait for the summer but they have now been joined in the race for his signature by Juventus, according to Sport Diario.
Andrea Pirlo wants a fourth option to complement his attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata and Depay is being considered.
The Serie A champions are also closely monitoring Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik, whose deal is also set to expire in the next six months.
Depay recently dismissed talk of a January switch as he underlined his ‘100 per cent commitment’ to Lyon but the Ligue 1 club might have their hand forced as they find themselves in a difficult financial position.
Reports in France claim Lyon are keen to cash in on Depay as he is likely to run down his contract and depart on a free in the summer.
Koeman has not attempted to hide his admiration for the 26-year-old and sees him as a central figure in his rebuild project at Barcelona but now have stern opposition in Juventus.
The once Manchester United flop previously described a move to Barcelona as his ‘dream’ but could have his head turned should Juventus make him a more lucrative offer.
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