Barcelona still hope to do a deal to sign Spain midfielder Koke from Atletico Madrid, reports in the country say.
Mundo Deportivo believe that once the signing of Ivan Rakitic is confirmed – which should be this week – then the club’s attention will shift back to Jorge Resurrecion, better known as Koke.
Barca are said to understand Atletico do not want to sell the 22-year-old as they already face the prospect of losing a large part of the title-winning squad, with Diego Costa, David Villa, Tiago, Filipe Luis and Miranda all having left or expected to do so.
Atletico have therefore insisted Koke could only leave if Barca met his stipulated release clause – some €60m. They have also informed the player’s agent that contract talks will begin soon.
And rather than sell Koke, Atletico could move for a Barca player – winger Cristian Tello, who it is believed is free to leave Camp Nou. A loan deal could be in the offing.
