On Monday, reports emerged claiming that Barcelona had shown an interest in signing RCD Espanyol midfielder Sergi Darder in the summer transfer window.
It was reported that the La Liga champions had already opened talks with his agent while manager Xavi Hernandez had spoken to the midfielder to convince him of a move to the club.
However, now, according to a report from Portera Nunez, La Liga minnows UD Almeria have also shown an interest in signing Darder from RCD Espanyol in the summer transfer window.
Almeria will have a new manager heading into the next season as Vicente Moreno is set to take over the reins of the club imminently.
Having managed Espanyol for close to two years in the past, the tactician knows Darder well and now wants to recruit him at Almeria.
Xavi is looking to sign an interior midfielder who can provide goals and creativity from the centre so that the team’s level does not drop in the absence of Pedri.
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City remains the utmost priority, but the Catalans are open to the idea of adding another midfielder beyond the 32-year-old veteran, provided it is a cost-effective operation.
Darder would be available for just €10 million in the summer – his release clause amount – thus making him an appealing target for the La Liga champions.
Following Espanyol’s relegation, the 29-year-old is bound to leave the club this summer. However, the midfielder might have some reservations about a transfer to Barcelona given the rivalry between the two Catalan clubs and the fact that he is the captain of Espanyol.
With more clubs in La Liga expected to go after his signing, it remains to be seen where Darder ends up in the summer.