Barcelona are reportedly attempting to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
During the World Cup at the back end of 2022, Amrabat emerged as one of the players of the tournament, starring in midfield as Morocco reached the semi-finals.
Since the tournament in Qatar, the 26-year-old has made five appearances for Fiorentina, who find themselves down in 12th position in the Serie A standings.
However, speculation has persisted regarding a transfer to a bigger club with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur heavily linked at one stage.
With Fiorentina publicly insisting that they do not want to sell, talk had quietened down ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline, but it is alleged that a surprise admirer has entered the race.
© Reuters
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona have made contact with Fiorentina with regards to a straight loan deal.
That is despite the Catalan giants sitting five points clear at the top of La Liga, remaining in financial problems and being well stocked for options in the middle of the pitch.
Barcelona officials are also waiting to be able to register new contracts, but it appears that an effort is being made to bring in Amrabat.
The report says that Fiorentina are yet to give the green light to a switch, the assumption being that I Viola would require a replacement.
Darren Plant
