FC Barcelona Transfer News: Tracking Latest Rumors, News & Updates 6/19/12

Alright, it's time to get you updated on the latest FC Barcelona rumors and news.

Some of the topics include:

A New Goalkeeper Being Looked At

Barça Looking For a new Center Back

Italian Youngster Offered a Deal By Barcelona?

Yann M’Villa On Barça’s Radar

Tito Vilanova Finally Gets His Contract

An EPL Midfielder Being Followed By FCB Scouts

A Six-Year-Old Is Heading To La Masia

Let’s go!

Barcelona Following Hugo Lloris

Victor Valdes has been the starting goalkeeper since 2002. The La Masia product has had his ups and downs in his ten years as keeper.

Now there is a rumor that VV may be replaced.

According to Le Progrés (France), Barcelona is interested in Olympique Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The 25-year-old Frenchman has played for Lyon since 2008 and has been the starting keeper for the French National Team since 2009.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told L’Equipe (France) a few weeks ago that Lloris would consider going to a big European club.

“He (Lloris) told me that if a good deal from a big European club came, he would be very tempted to go there.”

Let’s just call it as it is: Hugo Lloris is by far a better goalkeeper than Victor Valdes. Lloris would be a huge addition to any squad.

But I think this is just a rumor.

Valdes has been inconsistent throughout his tenure, but I don’t see Barcelona looking to get rid of him this season.

That doesn’t mean Barcelona won’t go after a goalkeeper in the near future.

Victor Valdes’ contract expires at the end of the 2014 season when he will be 32 years of age. It’s not impossible to imagine Barcelona wanting to get a top keeper.

Then again, they say goalkeepers only get better with age. We'll see if this applies to Victor Valdes.

Thiago Silva to Stay at AC Milan

For months now, all of Catalonia was hoping AC Milan defender Thaigo Silva would come to the Camp Nou.

Well, all hope of that happening is gone as Milan boss Silvio Berlusconi and Milan officials decided not to sell Silva.

Paris-Saint Germain was very close to acquiring Thiago Silva for a rumored €50 million. Silva and his agent were in the French capital a few days ago to discuss a deal. AC Milan Channel (Italy) confirmed the Silva-PSG meetings on their broadcast as well.

I’m sorry, but I’m glad Thaigo Silva is not coming to FC Barcelona. Don’t get me wrong, Silva is a great defender and would have been a great addition. But his price tag was absolutely too high.

The question now becomes who does Barcelona go after at center back?

Mats Hummels recently extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund. The German defender has had a terrific Euro 2012 performance thus far. According to Mundo Deportivo (Spain), Borussia Dortmund will not sell Hummels for anything less than €30 million.

Another name that has recently come up as a Barcelona target is Lyon defender Dejan Lovren.

The 22-year-old Croatian has played three seasons with Lyon and is considered one of Ligue I’s best defenders. Dejean has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool.

Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen is another name that comes up in rumors as well.

But one man that some Barcelona fans are looking at is Athletic Bilbao’s Javi Martinez. The Basque player has been linked with Manchester City and Real Madrid. Martinez has a €40 million buyout clause in his contract. Barcelona was reportedly offering the same amount to Milan for Thiago Silva.

With all this, should Barcelona offer Athletic Club €40 million for Javi Martinez?

I say no.

It’s too much money and Javi still needs to mature as a defender, as he played midfielder for most of his young career.

Barça youngsters Marc Bartra and Marc Muniesa will be on the first squad full-time as well.

We’ll see what happens with the center back position this summer.  

Yann M’Vila Being Followed by Barcelona?

If you follow the English Premier League and the rumors buzzing in England, you’ve certainly heard the name Yann M’Vila. The Rennes player has been rumored to be going to several different EPL teams including Manchester City, Manchester United and mainly Arsenal. Inter Milan and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing the Frenchman as well.

But according to Ouest France (via Sport.es), FC Barcelona are now keeping tabs on the 21-year-old defensive midfielder as he will more than likely be sold by Rennes this summer. According to Sport.es, Barcelona had already sent scouts to Rennes last year to evaluate M’Vila.

As talented as Yann M’Vila is, I just don’t know how he’d fit at FC Barcelona. He would essentially become a bench player as the midfield is crowded already. It’s not like Sergio Busquets is going anywhere anytime soon.

I do believe Barcelona sent scouts to France to watch M’Vila, but sending scouts to check out young talent happens all of the time.

This rumor feels like there is not much truth to it.

Sebastian Giovinco received an offer from FCB?

Barcelona do not need additional help on offense as much as they need help on defense.

But has the Catalan club made an offer to a forward already?

Italian forward Sebastian Giovinco has received an offer from Barcelona, according to the 25-year-old striker’s agent Andrea D’Amico.

D’Amico went on Radio Mana Mana (Italy, via Goal.com) and said he has received various offers including one from the Catalan club.

“He will go to a club who will make him feel important and where he can have the chance to show his quality. He has received a lot of offers, from Italy and abroad, including a recent one from Barcelona.”

Giovinco played at Parma last season in the Serie A, scoring 16 goals and tallying 13 assists in all competitions.

Manchester City and Inter Milan are also rumored to be interested in Giovinco.

This seems more like an agent trying to raise his clients stock instead of having any truth to it. Mundo Deportivo (Barcelona) has already reported that Sandro Rosell is not looking to buy forwards this summer.

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UPDATE: Sebastian Giovinco will return to Juventus, according to his agent Andrea D'Amico (h/t Goal.com). Sources say that Juve has agreed to pay Parma a fee of around €11 million to purchase the remaining 50 percent of Giovinco's contract.

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Luka Modrić at the Camp Nou?

It feels like Tottenham’s Luka Modrić has been liked with Manchester United and Chelsea for a few seasons now.

Well, you can throw FC Barcelona into the mix.

According to Spain’s national team assistant coach Paco Jimenez, Barcelona has scouts following Luka Modrić.

Jimenez recently told reporters that Modrić is “playing very well; Barcelona have someone watching him. He was present at Croatia’s game against Italy, but I cannot say who he is.”

Modrić had an excellent game against Spain albeit his Croatia were eliminated.

I have no idea why Barcelona would be interested in signing Modrić. Nothing against Luka, but there is no room for him in the team.

So why would Barcelona send scouts to follow Luka Modrić?

Who knows. Maybe Sandro Rosell is cooking up something.

Tito Vilanova Officially Introduced as Manager of FC Barcelona

Last Friday, Tito Vilanova was officially introduced as manager of FC Barcelona. Sandro Rosell and Andoni Zubizarreta were part of the press conference as the Tito Vilanova era begins at the Camp Nou.

"I accept this challenge because I know how football is understood here and, furthermore, I feel that I’ve been part of the successes of these past four years,” said Tito via FCBarcelona.com.

When asked about the comparisons the media will make between him and Pep Guardiola, Tito said, “I lose in any comparisons [with Guardiola], I didn’t come here to compete with anyone. I’ll try to do a good job, I’ll dedicate as many hours to the job as I have in the past.”

When asked about his relationship with Lionel Messi, Tito assured everyone everything will be okay. “I’m lucky enough to have known Leo since he was child. I’m convinced that we’ll get along.”

One comment of importance was when Tito said that right back Dani Alves will not be sold. “Dani Alves is logically staying. He has been one of the best signings of this club…”

The Brazilian had been rumored to be on the move for weeks now as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germian were the two teams rumored to be interested in Alves.

Glad to hear that Dani is in Tito’s plans for 2012-13.

On behalf of all Culés: we support you Tito. Vamos!

Barça Signs a Six-Year-Old

You thought things were getting out of hand with football teams signing young players.

Think again.

FC Barcelona has signed Artur Miani, a six-year-old from Brazil.

A six-year-old!

At least Messi was 11 years old when he signed with Barça on a napkin.

Apparently, little Artur had successful tryouts in May and will now join the famed La Masia in September. Artur’s older sister had registered her brother for the trial and Barcelona signed him soon after tryouts. Little Artur has already visited the Camp Nou where perhaps one day he will walk out and play for La Blaugrana.

Artur was asked by the reporter on the video "Who is better: Lionel Messi or Neymar?"

“Messi. He is the best for me,” said Artur.

Good job kid. How does little Artur know that Messi is better than Neymar, and Pelé doesn't?

Click here for my previous article on Pelé vs. Messi.

While there will always be an ongoing debate on whether any football club should be allowed to sign a child at such a young age, let’s not act like we haven’t seen this before. It’s very common.

Take a look at a news report about Artur Miani. He may be only six years old, but let's be honest, he’s already a better footballer than most of us. His sister seems like she’s a pretty good footballer too.

Congratulations to Artur and his family and congrats to Barcelona on signing a six-year-old.

Top that, Arsene Wegner!

Thiago Alcantara to Manchester United?

Manchester United lost out on the infamous Eden Hazard contest. Now there are reports that Sir Alex Ferguson has set his sights on another young midfielder: Thiago Alcantara.

According to The Daily Mail (UK), United are watching Thaigo and considering making an offer to Barcelona for the 21-year-old midfielder. Man U is also reportedly interested in Luka Modrić.

AC Milan are also interested in Thiago, who's reported transfer worth is €20 million. Thiago Alcantara is under contract with FC Barcelona until July 2015.

I don't see FC Barcelona selling Thiago Alcantara anytime soon. The kid has shined in many games and he is, for many, the heir apparent to Xavi's throne.

Would moving to Manchester United be a good move for Thiago?

Absolutely. He'd get plenty of playing time as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes near the end of their careers (eventually) and would be a nice youthful combination with newly acquired Shinji Kagawa.

But don't count on Sandro Rosell selling Thiago. Plus, would Thiago want to go to the Premier League? He's never said he wants to leave.

Luka Modrić is probably the best way for United to go.

Thanks for reading. Much appreciated.

As always, I will keep you updated with all things FC Barcelona here on Bleacher Report.

Be sure to look out for a special article on the coming transfer of Jordi Alba to Barcelona, which is expected to complete within the next few days.

For even faster info whenever FC Barcelona news breaks—as well as my other sports rants—follow me on Twitter @XoelCardenas.

Feel free to comment below on which transfer rumor you’d like—or not like—to see happen and why.

Xoel, The Voice of FC Barcelona on Bleacher Report and Featured Columnist for Spain for Euro 2012.

Follow me on Twitter:@XoelCardenas

Don’t forget to check out my other columns:

FC Barcelona: 5 Ways Lionel Messi Can Build on a Monster 2011-12