To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

ODDSbible Transfers: Barcelona Eyeing Moves For Defensive Duo

ODDSbible Transfers: Barcelona Eyeing Moves For Defensive Duo

The giants are in the market for defenders.

Joshua Jones

Joshua Jones

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing up moves for AS Roma's Kostas Manolas and Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

According to the agent of Greek international Manolas, they are one of various big sides interested in the centre-back, per Sport.

Roma have so far rejected any offers for him so far, declaring him untransferrable, and the player's agent has confirmed that Manolas himself snubbed a move to Zenit St. Petersburg.

His agent, Ioannis Evangelopoulos, has said his man is still firmly a Roma player and will be participating in pre-season, amid interest from Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid.

"Inter could be an interesting option, the same as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are. There are many teams that have spoken to us."

However, Barcelona are in the best position to acquire the defender's services as they have an option on signing him - obtained when they loaned Thomas Vermaelen to the Italian side.

As for Azpilicueta, there are a growing number of reports in the Spanish press that the Catalan side have contacted the Spanish international.

According to journalist Manolo Lama, the arrival of German international Antonio Rüdiger on Sunday has pushed the defender closer to a Chelsea exit.

Rüdiger became the Premier League Champions' second signing of the summer, following Willy Caballero's arrival on a free after being released by Manchester City.

His arrival means the Blues now have five players for their three centre-back positions, with Rüdiger joining Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Kurt Zouma at the heart of the defence.

As well as know, five doesn't go into three and it could see someone pushed out, with the Spaniard looking most likely to go.

Barcelona have struggled to replace Dani Alves after his departure in 2016 and, if Arsenal continue to be difficult over Hector Bellerin, Azpilicueta could be a worthwhile alternative.


Featured Image Credit: