Barça's outstanding transfer business analysed: Vela in? Malcom out?
The Catalan club are working hard to get things done this January
Barcelona are moving into the final straight of the transfer window with work to be done. With Munir sold to Sevilla, there's a lot to be worked out for now and the summer.
With the arrival of a No.9 the most obvious urgent need, the club are also working on deals for the future -- notably in midfield.
SPORT take a look at each of these operations, one by one, analysing whether they are likely and at what stage negotiations are currently at.
Carlos Vela (on the table): As we have reported, the agreement between Barça and the Mexican and Los Angeles FC is done. But the operation is not closed. It depends on other options the Catalans are working on -- including a 'secret' target whose name has still not come to light.
Morata (down): This one has been almost certainly ruled out due to the high cost of the deal and, above all, an inability to offer guaranteed minutes. The striker could move to Atletico but nothing's official yet.
De Jong (down): Despite Barça's urgent trip to Amsterdam to change his mind, the club aren't hopeful of doing so. Everything coming out of Holland suggests a 75 million euro move to PSG is closer. However, Barça won't give up and will hope for a late twist. That will remain the case until a deal is signed elsewhere.
Rabiot (on the table): In principle, everything suggests he will sign for Barça for free in the summer when his deal expires with PSG. But Barça want a definitive answer in the coming days. His silence recently, coupled with the complications in the move for De Jong, have led to nerves at Barça.
Denis Suarez (down): A January exit looked certain but nothing's confirmed. Arsenal are ready to pay two million euros for a loan until the end of the season but can't commit to an obligatory option to buy in the summer. That's the condition Barça want at a cost of around 20 million. Valverde's given him minutes, hopeful of keeping him around, but the final decision will be made in the office. It could be a case of Denis or Malcom.
Malcom (up): Barça's intention was to keep him after the investment made last summer, but a sale could now happen. There's no shortage of offers. From the Premier League (Tottenham, Everton) and China (Guangzhou Evergrande). Valverde's made it clear he won't get many minutes. The only problem is Barça don't want to make a loss. A loan has not been ruled out.
