Atlético strike back in the 'Memphis-Carrasco case' with Barcelona

Negotiations between Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona for a possible exchange between Memphis Depay and Yannick Carrasco could become the soap opera of this winter transfer window.

Atletico are making the operation very difficult because Carrasco is an important player for coach Diego Simeone and they feel a swap for Memphis, who is out of contract in June, would mean parting with a footballer for less than his real value.

Therefore, Atlético are also looking at other alternatives to reinforce their attack. According to 'Relevo', Vitinha, from Sporting Braga, is one of the strikers who could arrive instead of Memphis -- with the Rojiblanco 'threatening' to then sign the Dutchman in the summer on a free transfer.

This movement creates some doubts, though, since Memphis is a player of a much higher quality than Vitinha and, in reality, it could be a way of counterattacking and putting pressure on Barça to let the player leave with hardly any financial compensation.

Carrasco, for his part, wants to play for Barça and his representative, Pini Zahavi, has accepted this option. However, Atlético will not make it easy and a busy month of January is expected with the two clubs again as protagonists.

Atlético, according to the information, have requested €60m for Carrasco.