Barcelona striker target closing in on a new contract with his current club – report

Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Youssoufa Moukoko as the teenage striker is closing in on an agreement with Borussia Dortmund over a new contract, reports Sky Sport Germany.

Moukoko’s current contract with Dortmund stands to expire at the end of the season, and talks over a renewal have been going on for a while without reaching a breakthrough.

It had sparked the attention of several top clubs across Europe, with Barcelona among those looking to sign the German striker on a Bosman deal next summer. Newcastle United have also been linked with a move while Chelsea too were considered to be keen admirers.

Reports in Spain had suggested that Moukoko would favour an extension with Dortmund or a transfer to Barça in the summer. And with talks not progressing well, it was suggested that the Blaugrana could be in a solid position to acquire his signing in the summer.

However, according to the aforementioned report from Sky Germany, there has been a breakthrough in negotiations between Dortmund and Moukoko’s camp, with the two parties now much closer to finalising an agreement.

The 18-year-old striker’s consultant, Patrick Williams, flew down to Marbella earlier this week, where Dortmund are conducting their mid-season break training camp. And talks have gone forward smoothly, with the two parties now closing on reaching common grounds.

Given how the discussions have progressed, it is expected that Moukoko could end up signing a four-year contract with Dortmund worth €3 million per year, which could rise up to €5 million including bonuses and add-ons. On top of that, there will also be a €10 million signing-on bonus.

There is still no final agreement at this stage but even though Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke had recently left the door open for an exit, the two parties are now likely to come to an agreement that would see Moukoko continue at Signal Iduna Park.

It will come as a bitter blow to Barça who were betting on the teenager to be a backup for Robert Lewandowski at the club next season.