Rumors: Saul, Umtiti, Inaki Pena, Rakitic and Lautaro latest

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The gossip just keeps on coming...

Messi wants Neymar over Lautaro

Today’s rumors start with Barcelona’s hunt for new attacking reinforcements and with a report that reckons Lionel Messi wants Neymar over Lautaro Martinez.

Cadena SER report that sources from the Catalan giants have made it clear the Barcelona captain prefer his former team-mate to the Inter Milan attacker.

Lautaro is said to be really keen to play with Messi, but the coronavirus pandemic means it is now difficult to predict what will happen in the transfer market.

Coutinho wanted by Everton and Leicester

Over at Sport the talk is once again about Philippe Coutinho’s future. The latest report suggests that Premier League teams Everton and Leicester are keen on the Brazilian.

The Toffees would be happy to bring Coutinho back to Merseyside on an initial loan with a mandatory purchase option.

However, Leicester are also said to be in contention. Manager Brendan Rodgers, who signed Coutinho for Liverpool, has already been in touch to talk about a move.

Napoli keen on Samuel Umtiti

Sport also bring news that Napoli have apparently joined the race to land Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti in the summer.

The Serie A side have been on the phone to talk about the Frenchman’s current situation at the Camp Nou and know that Barca want to sell.

However, a deal could prove difficult for Gennaro Gattuso’s side to pull off, as Umtiti is happy at Barca and his wage demands may prove too high.

Barcelona won’t sign Saul Niguez

Over at Mundo Deportivo the word is that Barcelona will not exercise their first refusal option on Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

The Spanish champions have ruled out making a move for the 25-year-old who is attracting interest from Premier League clubs.

Manchester City and Manchester United are both mentioned and have been pointed towards Saul’s €150 million release clause by Atletico.

Inaki Pena wanted by Real Zaragoza

Barcelona B goalkeeper Inaki Pena also finds his name in the gossip columns on Thursday.

The 21-year-old is being targeted by Real Zaragoza who have already asked about his availability, according to El Periódico de Aragón.

Barcelona may be willing to listen to offers for the youngster, particularly if it would allow him to secure regular minutes away from Barca.

Sevilla dressing room want Rakitic

And finally we end with news that Sevilla’s players have decided that bringing Ivan Rakitic back to the club would be a good idea.

The midfielder is said to be keen on a return to his former club and would receive a warm welcome at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, according to ABC.

Yet it’s still not clear if Rakitic will head back to his former home, with Juve, Napoli and Atlético Madrid also said to be interested.

Source: barcablaugranes.com