Barcelona will target Manchester United’s Ander Herrera and Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez if they fail to prise Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain
PSG are refusing to play ball over big money move for Italy star with Prem duo lined up as an alternative
BARCELONA are considering a double swoop for Ander Herrera and Riyad Mahrez if they fail to land top target Marco Verratti.
The Catalans have reportedly issued an ultimatum to the Italian playmaker - giving him until the start of pre-season on July 4.
They want Verratti, 24, to force Paris Saint-Germain to sanction a big-money move by refusing to report after his summer break.
And if their pursuit fails, Sport claim Barca will use the funds to buy Manchester United star Herrera and Algeria winger Mahrez from the Foxes.
New boss Ernesto Valverde is desperate to strengthen his midfield options and saw Verratti as the perfect fit.
But he is also a big admirer of Herrera after working with him at Athletic Bilbao before his Old Trafford switch.
The Spaniard is a popular figure with United fans and boss Jose Mourinho and could cost upwards of £40million.
Mahrez, meanwhile, was one of a number of Leicester stars to struggle last season a year after inspiring them to the title.
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And he is keen to move on to bigger things, with Barcelona keen to add options on the right flank after seeing their Ousmane Dembele bid stall.
The Algerian international would cost around £35m and Barca have plenty of money set aside.
If Verratti manages to force PSG into negotiations, the Italian could still cost north of £100m as his employers play hardball.
Marco Verratti factfile
- He was born in Pescara, Italy in 1992.
- The 24-year-old played for Manoppello, Manoppello Arabona and Pescara at youth level.
- Verratti played for Pescara from for four years after turning proffessional in 2008.
- He then joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, for a reported £10.5millon.
- Verratti represented Italy at U19s, U20s and at Under 21s level before playing for the seniors.
- The midfielder has won Ligue 1 four times
- Verratti is known for being a sharp, agile and technical midfielder.