UCL side fear no longer getting £17m for ‘terrific’ star after Tottenham talks

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Barcelona now fear it will be difficult for the Camp Nou natives to demand their full asking price to sell striker Memphis Depay, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his transfer.

That’s according to AS, who note the Blaugrana have reiterated to Depay that he will need to leave. Boss Xavi Hernandez is preparing for the new season without the Dutchman after agreeing a deal with Leeds United for Raphinha, plus renewing Ousmane Dembele’s terms.

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Robert Lewandowski also remains a major goal for the Champions League giants in a bid to sign the Bayern Munich hero. Any deal for him to join Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and co will all but slam the door shut on Depay’s dreams to retain a prominent role.

Depay hopes to continue at the Camp Nou, having only joined Barcelona last June as a free agent after leaving Lyon. He held a key role in the wake of Lionel Messi’s farewell whilst his compatriot, Ronald Koeman, stood at the helm. But Xavi’s arrival lessened his importance.

Now, Barcelona would like to sell Depay to raise €20m (£17m) that can go toward signings this summer. The Blaugrana would also aim to include the forward in a deal for Sevilla ace Jules Kounde, knowing that he would have no future in Catalunya alongside Lewandowski.

Barcelona fear they can no longer seek £17m for Depay amid Tottenham interest

But Camp Nou chiefs fear their asking price will not be met as clubs around Europe know Depay is available. He also has just one year left on his contract after penning a two-year deal last summer. While any pressure he makes to leave will further weaken their stance.

Tottenham are alert to Barcelona’s desire to sell Depay, having discussed Antonio Conte’s interest in the 28-year-old recently, Sport report. Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici mentioned the Dutch dynamo during their discussions to sign Clement Lenglet on loan.

Conte has Depay on his radar this summer as a possible replacement for Steven Bergwijn, per Foot Mercato, having sold the winger to Ajax for £26.5m. Depay – who Patrick Vieira calls ‘terrific’ – can play from the flank or through the centre, and hit 13 goals last season.