LALIGA
Barcelona close to signing Ferran Torres from Manchester City
AS understands that Manchester City and Barça are close to reaching an agreement for the player, who will join for 55 million euros plus 10M in add-ons.
Ferran Torres is close to completing his move to Barcelona. Both clubs continue in negotiations about the conditions an fine print of the deal and believed to be very close to an agreement. AS can confirm, after speaking to club sources, that the operation is advancing smoothly and that the former Valencia forward will become Barça's first big signing of the winter transfer window. The deal will be closed for a fixed fee of 55 million euros plus a further 10 million in add-ons.
Verbal agreement between Barcelona and Ferran Torres
Ferran and Barcelona reached a verbal agreement several weeks ago, leaving the club to resolve the most difficult part - reaching an accord with Manchester City. Xavi Hernández's determination to bring the 21-year-old to Camp Nou has been one of the keys to the operation. The coach was keen to ensure that his squad is reinforced with an experienced, star signing while the City winger is eager to take the next step in his career and convert himself into the team's new leader.
While Barcelona wait for the arrival of the Spain international, the club is also working around the clock to find an outlet for the players who have been transfer-listed to be able to register Ferran Torres as soon as possible. One issue which is of particular concern is making sure that they stay within the salary cap. Several players are rumoured to be on their way out - among them, Sergiño Dest, Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and Luuk de Jong. For the moment, the objective is to have Ferran Torres on board before the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Real Madrid on 12 January.