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Gerard Pique’s Barcelona veto opens door for Real Madrid to seal BARGAIN signing - report
GERARD PIQUE has reportedly opened the door for Real Madrid to swoop for Sevilla defensive ace Clement Lenglet.
Gerard Pique has reportedly vetoed Barcelona's move for Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet
The France Under-21 international has emerged as one of La Liga’s top centre-backs and his £26.3million (€30m) release clause has alerted a number of clubs.
According to Diario Gol, Barcelona are considering a swoop for Lenglet.
The Spanish publication claim the 22-year-old is being eyed as a replacement for January flop signing Yerry Mina.
Barcelona are set to ditch Mina to accommodate room for Gremino midfielder Arthur.
Nou Camp chiefs are only allowed to register three non-EU players so the Colombian defender looks set to pay the price after a deal was agreed for Arthur.
Lenglet would fit the bill because of his La Liga experience but he would reportedly not be a popular arrival.
According to Diario Gol, Pique does not want fresh competition for his place in the team.
It is claimed the 31-year-old prefers having Mina and Thomas Vermaelen as back up.
And that will reportedly leave Real Madrid in the clear to land Lenglet.
Diario Gol say Los Blancos view Lenglet as Sergio Ramos’ long-term replacement at the heart of their defence.
Real Madrid could swoop for Sevilla's Clement Lenglet
Yerry Mina's days at Barcelona appear to be numbered
And his relatively low release clause will not prove problematic for Bernabeu bigwig Florentino Perez.
The former Nancy defender is under contract at Sevilla until the summer of 2021.
Lenglet has made 43 appearances in all competitions for Sevilla, who have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, this season.
He has previously been linked with moves to Premier League giants Manchester City and Manchester United.