Veteran La Liga duo favourites to strengthen the pivot position at Barcelona – report

As Barcelona continue to search the market for a defensive midfielder to fill the void left by Sergio Busquets’ departure, it appears that two new names have jumped to the front of the queue as the likeliest options.

Indeed, according to Gerard Romero’s Jijantes FC, Villarreal veteran Dani Parejo and Girona’s Oriol Romeu have now emerged as the favourites to strengthen the pivot position at Barcelona this summer.

Xavi’s favourite option continues to remain Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi and even though efforts continue to be made on that front, a move for him is very complicated.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Brozovic could be on his way to Saudi Arabia after Inter Milan reached an agreement with Al Nassr over a €23 million transfer. And while Barça remain attentive to the situation, they are already making alternative plans.

And as things stand, Parejo and Romeu have emerged as the likeliest options for the La Liga champions.

Parejo is a player who has been admired by the Blaugrana for a long time. His contract with Villarreal expires next season and he is understood to have a release clause in his contract as well, making him a favourite option at the Catalan outfit.

Meanwhile, Romeu is a player that knows Barcelona well, having come through the academy ranks and even made a couple of senior appearances before departing for England. Having joined Girona last summer, the 31-year-old enjoyed a very solid season back in La Liga.

Romeu is understood to have a release clause worth €10 million in his contract and as per Romero, Barcelona believe that they can get Girona to reduce that amount further.

Xavi has made it clear that he wishes to sign a top pivot midfielder to fill the gap left by Busquets’ departure. But with their main targets inaccessible, it appears that Barcelona might have to settle for one of Parejo or Romeu.