Barcelona turn their attentions to Willian as they struggle to secure transfers for Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele in hunt to replace Neymar
Chelsea man emerges as shock new target, according to reports in France, with Catalans enduring dismal summer window
WILLIAN is the shock new name on the list of Barcelona targets to replace Neymar, according to reports in France.
The Catalans are enduring a torrid summer on the transfer front — struggling to secure deals for Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.
And France Football report they have made the Chelsea ace their reserve choice, should they fail to land their top two targets.
Willian, 29, was linked with a move to Manchester United earlier in the summer — and admitted he was close to a reunion with his former boss Jose Mourinho.
He said: "I worked with [Jose] Mourinho and I became his friend as well.
"There were a few conversations with my agent.
"Manchester United came to me, they talked with my agent, but nothing happened, because Chelsea would not negotiate me in any way and I’m very happy at Chelsea."
The Brazilian has enjoyed an impressive four years at Stamford Bridge, winning two league titles and being the stand-out performer in the dismal 2015-16 campaign.
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He was signed by Mourinho in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Barcelona are desperate for a third top level forward to line up alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
They have turned their attentions to Angel Di Maria, but Willian is now another option.
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