Barcelona poised to activate Real Madrid star Marco Asensio’s £72million release clause in sensational shock swoop
The 21-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Barca boss Ernesto Valverde after selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain for £198m
MARCO ASENSIO has emerged as a shock target for Barcelona who are willing to activate the Real Madrid star's £72m release clause, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is being lined up by Barca boss Ernesto Valverde as he looks to lure away the attacking midfielder from the home of their fiercest rivals.
According to Spanish news outlet , they claim that they have identified the former Mallorca man as a cheaper alternative to Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho after being thwarted in their attempts to sign him.
The Copa del Rey champions pocketed a whopping £198million after selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, and are desperately seeking a replacment for the Brazilian trickster.
A £90m bid was rejected by the Reds for Coutinho on Thursday night, with Jurgen Klopp declaring he will not be leaving Anfield for any price.
It means that Asensio - one of the top talents in Europe, could be in line for a shock switch to the Nou Camp in a transfer that will send shock waves around La Liga in deal reminiscent as to when Luis Figo joined Los Blancos in 2000.
Barca would be able to offer the Spanish international regular game time with Isco, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lucas Vasquez all ahead of him in the pecking order at the Bernabeu.
Speaking back in April when he was linked with a move to Manchester United, Asensio said: "In the end I do not think about other teams or if I could play in other teams, I always think about Madrid.
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"I found it difficult at first, but you have to work in the training sessions and be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes.
“I already said that I wanted to stay and that I was going to fight for minutes."
It was only recently reported that he was set to sign a new deal with Real with a whopping £136m buy-out clause slapped on his.
Signed back in 2014 for £3.5million, he was shipped off on loan to Mallorca and Espanyol before making his breakthrough last campaign.
He netted ten times in 38 matches in all competitions, including scoring against Juventus in the Champions League final in Cardiff.
Diario Gol also report that should they Barcelona sign Asensio, they could turn their attention to Isco - who is entering the final year of his contract.
While the Catalan club continue to minor the progress of Borussia Dortmund's wonderkid Ousmane Dembele.
The French winger has been suspended and fined by the Bundesliga side after skipping training to force through a move to link up with Lionel Messi and co.
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