Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Marco Asensio, Martin Montoya, More

The transfer embargo looming over Barcelona's head isn't stopping manager Luis Enrique from commenting on the club's plans for 2015. As the Blaugrana continue their successful run through the 2014-15 campaign, speculation regarding potential dealings will keep on surfacing.

From want-away talent to highly touted youngsters and injury replacements, the Catalans are as busy as ever, so let's have a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding the club.

Marco Asensio Has Real Madrid Deal in Place

Enrique may have recently told Marca the Blaugrana were interested in Mallorca's Marco Asensio, but as reported by AS' Pedro Fullana, the youngster is set to complete a move to arch rivals Real Madrid.

The Barcelona manager tried avoiding the topic when he was asked about the 18-year-old, but he admitted the club was interested in his services, saying:

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I don't usually talk about players who aren't at our club. He has plenty of suitors and the club was already interested in him before I arrived, but that's it. We'll talk about him when he's in our squad and until them, let his team talk about him.

"

It now appears there won't be much talk about the Mallorca youth product after all, as the player himself confirmed he has an agreement in place with Los Blancos:

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We will see what happens this week because in this club anything can happen. Real Madrid have decided and I am really happy. I’m looking forward to seeing the finalisation of the deal in order to make everyone calmer – the club, me, and Real Madrid.

It is an honour that the best clubs are fixed on me and the best is Real Madrid. The agreement is for five seasons and now, to enjoy.

"

The Spanish star has greatly impressed during the 2014-15 season, routinely being the best man on the pitch for Mallorca despite his young age. The midfielder is raw but extremely talented, with plenty of natural physical ability to go with superb technique.

As shared by Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez, Barcelona came close to signing the winger during the summer but balked at the proposed transfer fee:

The Blaugrana aren't exactly short on young talent, but it will still hurt to watch such an exciting prospect sign for their most hated rivals.

Martin Montoya Exit Looming

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

AS' Santi Gimenez knows full-back Martin Montoya is set to leave the Catalans in January after a lengthy media battle with the club, with Enrique firing the latest shots at the talented defender.

As reported by Marca, he admitted the player was talented enough to have a future with the club before reminding him who's in charge:

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Montoya's professionalism is an example to everyone. It's just a tactical decision and I could be wrong, plus it saddens me because we've had a great personal relationship for a long time. All I can tell him is not to give up. I have no doubt that he's good enough to play at the highest level, even at Barça, but I make the decisions here.

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The 23-year-old has made just one start all season after signing a new deal in the summer. He has routinely been passed over in favour of Dani Alves, Douglas and even Adriano.

His agent has already called for his client to leave the club, per Inside Spanish Football's Jamie Kemp, and the fact he didn't even make the bench for Sunday's fixture against Valencia won't help matters.

Though Montoya was once regarded as one of Barcelona's top defensive talents, Enrique's insistence on not playing him has all but ended the chances of Montoya staying with Barcelona beyond the January transfer window.

Interest in his services will likely be high, and given the fact that Enrique continues to prefer other options at the right-back position, the right offer could easily poach Montoya from the Catalans.

Luis Enrique Rules Out Centre-Back Purchase

Petros Karadjias/Associated Press

Thomas Vermaelen is set to miss up to six months of action once he undergoes surgery on Tuesday, per Marca, but Enrique has no intention of bringing in defensive help to offset the loss of the Belgian international:

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Injuries are unfortunately part of professional football, because it's a tough game with lots of physical contact. That's been Thomas' case since he joined the club. We understand that surgery is the best solution to get him fit and playing for the team. The team are fine. We don't intend to strengthen in that position.

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Rumours started surfacing during the week that Vermaelen's long-term injury opened the door for the Blaugrana to potentially work around the transfer embargo, with Cat Radio (h/t Sergi Dominguez) claiming free agents weren't covered by the sanctions:

El Mundo Deportivo (h/t Barcastuff) believed the board would approach FIFA with the question whether there was the option to replace players out with extended injuries:

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Due to Vermaelen's injury, Barcelona will ask Fifa if transfer ban also affects rule that player with long-term injury can be replaced. [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) November 28, 2014"

As of right now, however, Enrique appears to have full confidence in his squad. Vermaelen is yet to play a single minute for the Blaugrana, via WhoScored.com, and the club has done just fine in his absence.

A lack of reliable options on the free-agent market likely also contributed to the decision, as most of the quality players have signed for other clubs.

While Barcelona's defensive depth is limited, the starters have held up fine so far. And with the transfer embargo still in place, there simply aren't many options to help out in that department, regardless.

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