Barcelona 'offered the chance' to sign World Cup winner in cut-price deal with new contract talks stalling

Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign a World Cup winner for a cut-price deal this summer, according to reports.

The Catalan giants are in the market for a midfielder to partner the likes of Pedri and Gavi next season – and they have a long wishlist of targets.

Barca are set to 'lock horns' with Manchester United in the race to sign Everton's Amadou Onana, according to the Daily Mail, who suggest their interest in Joshua Kimmich has 'wavered'.

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is another person of interest. In fact, the 28-year-old is considered a more likely candidate considering Barcelona's financial constraints.

But an even cheaper option has emerged in the form of Argentina international Leandro Paredes, who is heading into the final year of his contract at Roma.

The 30-year-old, who returned to the Serie A side last summer, is considered by Barca to be a player of 'good quality', according to Spanish publication SPORT.

Furthermore, the club are impressed with his proven track record and experience playing for big clubs in Europe.

Paredes made 49 appearances in all competitions for Roma last season, and featured regularly for World Cup winners Argentina after impressing in Qatar.

He would be available at a 'very reduced price', according to the report, but Barca are said to have their sights on other players, with Onana and Merino being mentioned.

Paredes penned a two-year deal with Roma after joining on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain.

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Having come through the youth ranks at Boca Juniors, Leandro initially joined Roma in summer 2014 following a brief spell at Chievo. The Argentine spent two seasons at the club either side of a season-long loan at Empoli.

"Coming back to Rome is always a special thing, but doing so now as a Roma player is even more special," Paredes said in 2023.

"I’d like to thank the fans for welcoming me and Roma for bringing me back to the club where I launched my career in Europe. Last year was an incredibly happy one for me with the World Cup, so now I want to keep tasting success and I’m convinced I can do just that with this team."