Barcelona looked to have reached an agreement on terms with Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, but the arrival of Hansi Flick, or perhaps more accurately the departure of Xavi Hernandez, seems to have diminished the chances of a deal being signed. It has opened up new options for the Blaugrana.

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino was reported as one of their priorities this week, and joins Everton’s Amadou Onana and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich amongst their upper echelon of midfield targets. MD also say that Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes is a preference for Deco, but is not within their means.

As per Sport, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is one of the cost-cutting alternatives that Sporting Director Deco is considering. Hansi Flick likes the Nigerian international, and would consider him, but not until there is clarity over their finances and ability to spend. Sporting Director Deco likes the physicality he would bring to the midfield.