Barcelona ‘open negotiations with Marco Verratti’ over stunning summer move from Paris Saint-Germain
- Tipped as Andres Iniesta's successor
- Excelled in 4-0 win over Barca
- PSG won't want to sell him on cheap
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BARCELONA have opened talks with Marco Verratti over a summer move, according to reports in Catalonia.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, 24, is considered one of the best around in his position.
Now, report Barcelona have made initial steps to bring him to the Nou Camp after the club spoke to his agent, Donato Di Campli, during the 0-0 draw with Juventus.
And it is claimed he told the Catalan giants that, should his client leave the French side, it would be for the two-time Treble winners.
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PSG will be extremely unwilling to sell one of their biggest stars — especially to a rival for the Champions League.
However, Barcelona believe they could tempt the French giants with a bid of around £45million.
Verratti was pulling the strings in PSG’s famous 4-0 victory over the Catalans in the Champions League.
And, when asked who is eventual successor at the club would be during that contest, Andres Iniesta was so impressed, he told Blaise Matuidi it would be the Italian.
Verratti started his career at Pescara and moved to Ligue 1 in 2012 when Carlo Ancelotti was manager.
He soon established himself a sensational ball-playing midfielder and actually scored his first goal for the club in a win over Barcelona in 2014.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan are among the big sides interested in his signature.
But Barcelona have stolen a march on their rivals by opening talks with Verratti.