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Barcelona looking to strengthen Champions League bid with signings, Real Madrid tracking young Valencia striker

David Cooper

17:50 28/12/2017

Find the latest transfer news right here as the window opens January 1, 2018.

There’s plenty of speculation throughout Europe and here, we take a look at the biggest stories dominating the headlines on Thursday.

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BARCELONA EYEING REINFORCEMENTS FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAMPAIGN

Ernesto Valverde is focused on bolstering his squad in the upcoming January transfer window, according to Marca.

While Barcelona have continually been linked with both Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann and Liverpool‘s Philippe Coutinho, both of those targets will be cup-tied for the next phase of the Champions League and beyond.

Winning Europe’s biggest crown is said to be Barca’s main priority this term, in addition to securing the La Liga title.

RATING: 6/10

VERDICT

Barca have perhaps been couy over other targets on their radar, but the club’s scouting department will have to read between the lines and find players eligible to come in and make an immediate impact, at home, and in Europe.

Griezmann has been heavily linked with Barca.

REAL MADRID IN FOR VALENCIA STARLET

Real Madrid are tracking young Valencia forward Rafa Mir, according to Marca.

The 20-year-old forward is an emerging star at the Mestalla and Los Blancos scouts have reportedly been watching the former Barcelona youth star closely.

Mir has been banging in the goals in Segunda Division B and Real see the striker as a man who could go straight into their Castilla side.

RATING: 6/10

VERDICT

The details of Real’s pursuit of Mir are a little sketchy at present but he is very much a man Real are monitoring – with a view to making a move next summer.

Valencia have been enjoying a fine season under coach Marcelino.

IN-DEMAND VIDAL WANTED BY THREE CLUBS

A host of clubs are chasing Barcelona right-back-cum-winger Aleix Vidal, with bids set to come in for the talent next summer.

La Liga pair Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, as well as Italian giants Roma, have all ran the rule over the 28-year-old – who is enjoying his best season to date at the Nou Camp club.

That, however, has not put an end to speculation linking the Spaniard with a move away from Catalonia – with the Corriere dello Sport reporting he could leave.

RATING: 6/10

VERDICT

Vidal has quickly become a key man a Barca, and even when Ousmane Dembele returns from long-term injury, the former Almeria man is a more than useful back-up.

If Sevilla, Vidal’s former club, did come calling, though, it could be an attractive option for the midfielder.

Vidal has impressed this season.

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