For the past month or so, the Catalan press have regularly insisted Barcelona want to sign Raheem Sterling in January, after failing to take him away from Manchester City in the summer.
Earlier this week, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about the reports linking the winger to the La Liga side, and refused to rule out a transfer.
In their Friday edition, Sport say the La Liga side will try to give new manager Xavi three signings in the winter market.
Due to their delicate economic conditions, the Spanish giants will look to take players on loan deals, possibly with an option to buy.
To suit Xavi’s needs and style of play, Barcelona will need a new winger. For this position, they ‘value the incorporation of Raheem Sterling as a real option’.
It’s even claimed the ex-Liverpool star has ‘opened the door’ for a transfer to the Camp Nou, since the option to join Barca would ‘fit within his preferences’ when it comes to changing clubs.
Sterling has struggled to enjoy regular playing time under Guardiola this season and a move to Barcelona in January, even if it’s on a loan deal, could see the 26-year-old enjoy more game time.
Whether Manchester City will agree to a deal on the terms Barcelona need is perhaps doubtful, and that’s where Catalan optimism could hit a bump in the road.
