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Alexis Sanchez is only an option for Barcelona if they fail to get a deal for Manchester City’s Ferran Torres over the line.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who say the City forward is the ‘great goal’ for the Catalan giants in the January transfer window.

They need to improve their forward options after losing Sergio Aguero, who retired yesterday due to a heart condition.

It’s left them short up front, and they’ve ‘set their sights’ on trying to reach an agreement with Manchester City for Torres.

He’s been linked for the last two months or so, and while the forward has given his OK to the move, Barcelona are yet to find an agreement with City.

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At the moment, they are ‘waiting to establish new contacts’ with Pep Guardiola’s side having made Torres a ‘priority’ for January.

The two teams are believed to be ‘moving closer together’, with City initially asking for €60m but Barcelona only offering €45m. That figure, though, is not ‘insurmountable’.

The move has the backing of manager Xavi, who is ‘seduced’ by the fact that the player wants to play for Barcelona.

That’s why any reports linking them with a move for Sanchez can be ignored for the time being.

He is an option and on their list but is one of many, and a card they will not play until negotiations with Manchester City for Torres are ‘null and void’.

That’s yet to happen as there is increasing optimism Torres can be secured, even if negotiations are only moving slowly.