Barcelona boss Xavi ‘close’ to sealing Karim Adeyemi transfer for £31m ahead of Liverpool

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Barcelona manager Xavi is closing in on a January deal to land Red Bull Salzburg forward and reported Liverpool target Karim Adeyemi, according to reports. The Catalan giants are said to be keen on strengthening their ranks next year under the guidance of Xavi, who was appointed to replace Ronald Koeman on a permanent basis earlier this month.

The Spaniard signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to take charge of Barcelona and will be tasked with turning the club’s fortunes around over the course of this season.

Barca currently sit ninth in La Liga and 11 points adrift of early leaders Real Sociedad after winning just four of their opening 12 matches.

They have struggled in the absence of Lionel Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain over the summer.

Meanwhile, the likes of Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia have failed to set the world alight since joining Barcelona in pre-season.

However, it seems as though Xavi is already drawing up plans to lead his own recruitment drive in January, starting with the capture of Adeyemi.

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Barcelona are inching closer to an agreement with Salzburg that would see the 19-year-old join the Spanish heavyweights in the new year, according to transfer expert Gerard Romero.

It is claimed that speedy progress is being made in the race to land Adeyemi, who is already a fully-fledged Germany international.

He has emerged as one of Europe’s finest young marksmen since bursting onto the scene with Salzburg last season and was rewarded with a call-up to Die Mannschaft back in September.

Adeyemi managed seven goals in all competitions throughout his debut campaign and has already more than doubled his tally this time around.

Salzburg are reportedly willing to sell their prized asset for a fee close to his release clause, which stands at around £31million.

Liverpool have also been credited with a strong interest in bringing Adeyemi to Anfield in recent weeks as Jurgen Klopp aims to strengthen his ranks ahead of the Premier League run-in.

However, it would seem that Barcelona have established themselves as the early favourites for the Salzburg man’s signature.

Adeyemi has previously insisted that he is not worried about the constant speculation over his immediate future, underlining his desire to do his talking on the pitch.

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“I don’t think about it,” he told Transfermarkt last year when quizzed on the widespread interest in his services.

“I want to play well at Salzburg, bring my performance, and get my minutes. I want to show what I can do. Then we can see if other teams also think I am good and want me.

“At that point, we will see. My family and I are very comfortable in Salzburg, and I can develop well here.

“I decided to stay here. That was the next good step. Let’s see what comes next.”

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