Barcelona director likes Premier League midfield duo, but transfers financially unviable

It is no secret at this point that FC Barcelona are scouring the market for a new quality midfielder to reinforce the squad before next season.

Joshua Kimmich has been a top target for some time now while more recently Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad has emerged as an option.

But, Barcelona sporting director Deco is looking at several other players as well, two of whom happen to be Amadou Onana of Everton and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Deco likes Onana the most

As per the report, Amadou Onana is the player that is most liked by Barcelona director Deco to reinforce the pivot position in the middle of the park.

The Belgian international has been a major hit at Everton over the past couple of seasons and has a number of clubs across Europe tailing him heading into the summer, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich among them.

However, Barça see a deal for Onana as ‘impossible’ as they believe that Everton will demand a transfer fee that is way beyond their means at this point owing to their frail financial situation.

Guimaraes also an expensive option

Deco is an admirer of Bruno Guimaraes. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes is also a favourite of Barça director Deco, but like Onana, the Brazilian international is also seen as an expensive option.

There have been rumours that the midfielder has a release clause in his contract with Newcastle that would be favourable for the Blaugrana. But even then the figures involved could be beyond the Catalans’ reach.

So, despite having an interest in Guimaraes as well as Onana, Barcelona are likely to have to settle for a more affordable option, with Merino emerging as a candidate.