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Barcelona transfer news: Ex-Real Madrid youth arrives at hotel, Barca give up on Pogba
BARCELONA are closing in on a deal for Valencia midfielder and former Real Madrid youngster Dani Parejo as their interest in Paul Pogba wanes.
Dani Parejo scores FANTASTIC goal against Real Madrid
Manchester United are aware of Barcelona’s interest in their midfielder Pogba.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has been sourcing suitors for the France international this summer.
But with United refusing to let their star man leave Barca have moved on to other targets.
And according to Spanish newspaper SPORT, they are closing in on a deal for Parejo.
Valencia star Parejo, 29, began his career in the Real Madrid youth ranks before moving to QPR.
He is on Barca manager Ernesto Valverde’s list of midfield targets this summer after nine years back in La Liga.
The Nou Camp boss has already missed out on PSG star Marco Verratti.
And with Pogba due to remain at Old Trafford a deal with Parejo is tipped to be agreed.
SPORT claim Parejo has checked in to the Hotel Princesa Sofia, close to the Nou Camp.
The Spaniard’s arrival in the Catalonian city has raised speculation he is about to sign for Valencia’s neighbours.
Parejo has a release clause of £44.8m (€50m) and a deal could well be struck before Spain’s transfer window closes on August 31.
The player made 42 appearances for Valencia last season, picking up 17 yellow cards.
His arrival at Barca would be part of Valverde’s efforts to replace Andres Iniesta and Paulinho in the centre of midfield.
The La Liga champions have already signed Arturo Vidal from Bayern Munich this summer and Valverde wanted Pogba to accompany to Chile international.
But Parejo is nevertheless a considered option for Barcelona, with the ex-Getafe player having plenty of experience in La Liga.
He made his full Real Madrid debut way back in 2008 before heading on loan to QPR for six months.
After making 18 appearances for the London club he was involved in a swap deal with Getafe that saw midfielder Esteban Granero - now at Espanyol - move to Real.