Napoli have reportedly rejected Barcelona’s bid of around £54.5million for Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target Lorenzo Insigne, handing a possible boost to Premier League clubs.
The Italy international has shone in Serie A in recent times, scoring 18 goals in the Italian top flight last season to attract interest from a host of bigger clubs this summer.
Barcelona have been in for him with an offer, though are not expected to try again for the 26-year-old as they grow confident of securing the double signing of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele to strengthen their attack after the loss of Neymar, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
It is also thought that Liverpool could now step up their interest in Insigne as they look for a replacement for Coutinho, whose departure would be a major blow for Jurgen Klopp.
Barcelona have plenty to spend after Paris Saint-Germain triggered Neymar’s £199m release clause, and have already made the surprise signing of Paulinho in midfield.
Still, the Catalan giants will want players capable of directly replacing Neymar on the left of their front three, with Insigne shining in a similar role for Napoli last season.
Barcelona 2017/18 transfers
IN
Nelson Semedo
Paulinho
Gerard Deulofeu
Marlon Santos
OUT
Neymar
Jeremy Mathieu
Cristian Tello
Jordi Masip
The Serie A side are under little pressure to sell their star player, however, as he has a contract running until 2022 and has previously made it clear he wants to remain with the club.
Coutinho and Dembele have given no such assurances to their respective clubs as moves to the Nou Camp now look imminent.
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