Barcelona target Manolas for next season
Despite less than 10 games being played in La Liga this season, it seems as if Barcelona have a contingency plan in place for next season as they look for a battle-hardened centre-half.
According to Sport, Kostas Manolas is the man to fill the “Carles Puyol” shaped whole in the Barca squad. Both Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti look to be developing a good understanding in the heart of the defence, but the reigning La Liga Champions are looking to add some steel to the back line.
Manolas, 25, has been a mainstay in the Roma defence since signing two years ago and is well known for for his tough tackling, no nonsense style of play. The Greek International has attracted alot of interest from Europe’s top clubs but Barca have a trump card in the shape of Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen’s loan deal to Roma gave Barcelona a first option on Manolas if a deal can be struck.
It is rumoured that the market value of the player is around €25million but a new contract from Roma could see that price rise significantly.