Just in: Barcelona deny any contacts with Real Madrid target

After hitting a roadblock in the pursuit for Erling Haaland, Barcelona’s name has been linked to Real Madrid prime target Kylian Mbappe. The report, relayed by L’Equipe said that the club has already made contacts with the French player and who is keeping all options open now.

However, Mundo Deportivo, nearly 12 hours after that report was released, have reported that Barcelona have denied any contacts with Mbappe’s camp.

The club does not appreciate their name being dragged into a war with Madrid. In fact, Barça assume that Mbappe will be a Madrid player by the time the season ends after being linked to them for several years running.

Barcelona’s first priority is still Haaland, but they are aware of the problems they could face along the way. The entire operation is worth around €300 million across the next five years, which the Blaugranes cannot commit to, right now.

As such, they have shortlisted some alternatives. Robert Lewandowski is one of them, while a keen eye is being kept on Mohamed Salah‘s renewal situation. They are reportedly ready to offer €50 million for Lewandowski with a four-year contract.

As it stands, though, there are little to no new updates on Haaland’s front. It’s a toss-up between Manchester City and Madrid with Barcelona as the dark horses.