Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Marco Reus, Martin Montoya

As Barcelona continue to wait on the verdict of their appeal of FIFA's impending transfer embargo, reports and rumours continue to swirl. The Blaugrana don't even know whether they'll be able to sign new players in two weeks, so they need to prepare for every possible scenario.

Manager Luis Enrique has a strong—but flawed—squad at his disposal, with a number of defensive question marks persisting. Addressing those concerns in January would be the perfect scenario, but if the transfer ban holds, it's possible the Catalans could actually lose defensive depth.

Here are the latest reports coming out of the Camp Nou.

Marco Reus Advised to Pick Real Madrid

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Former Real Madrid star and Germany international Christoph Metzelder has urged compatriot and star forward Marco Reus to spurn Barcelona in favour of a move to Los Blancos in an interview with Bild (h/t Football Espana).

The 25-year-old is widely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund at some point in 2015, and Metzelder believes the Spanish capital should be his preferred destination:

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If Reus has to choose between Real Madrid and Barcelona then I think Madrid would be the easiest choice. Madrid are a more global team than Barca, who signify Catalonia and are more regional, while they also prefer to rely on bringing their younger players through.

It’s also true that at Madrid he wouldn’t have much room to manoeuvre because they have a lot of attacking options, but if there is one club capable of accommodating him then it’s them.

"

Of course, one has to remember Metzelder is a former Blanco himself. The centre-back acknowledged Real currently don't have room in their squad for him before offering a solution, simultaneously dismissing other clubs like Barcelona could do the same.

The image of Barcelona as a "regional club" relying almost exclusively on La Masia is an archaic one, completely nullified by the recent signings of players like Luis Suarez, Neymar and Ivan Rakitic. For all intents and purposes, the Blaugrana are just as heavily involved in the transfer market as their rivals from Madrid.

That doesn't mean Reus won't pick Los Blancos. In fact, Bleacher Report's Tim Collins is convinced that's exactly what will happen:

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The process appears to be underway. Real Madrid, while still likely eyeing next summer as the opportune moment, look several steps ahead of Barcelona in the race for the German. 

Some might even say they're winning the battle. And even though that's likely to continue until the saga is resolved, it's still a needless one. A battle drizzled in excess. 

But one that Real Madrid look poised to win nonetheless. 

"

But perhaps Bundesliga VAVEL's Marco Conradie made the best observation when he pointed out that among all of the rumours and speculation, there's one voice missing—that of the player himself:

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The whole Marco Reus saga has many more questions than answers - Expect the rumors and speculation to continue non-stop until the summer.

— Marco Conradie (@MarcoConradie10) December 17, 2014"

As much fun as it is speculating over Reus' future, as of right now, nobody knows which club the German international is leaning toward. And until he comes out and says it, don't expect the constant stream of reports to lessen.

Martin Montoya Plays, Still Wants to Leave

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Martin Montoya was given his first minutes on the pitch since Barcelona's fixture against Athletic Bilbao at the start of the season, playing the full Copa del Rey match against Huesca.

His agent Juan de Dios Carrasco told La Graderia (h/t Marca) that won't change the situation one bit, however, before taking a few shots at manager Enrique:

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It doesn't change the situation. He feels the same. Only Luis Enrique knows what has happened to produce this situation. Luis Enrique is Mr high and mighty. The club might see Montoya as one of theirs, but there's no way to stand up to the gaffer. According to Martín, that's the way things are and I would believe what he says.

"

The full-back always appeared likely to leave in January, and after his agent called out Enrique in public like this, his fate at Barcelona appears sealed.

Sport's Rik Sharma didn't believe his start against Huesca meant anything other than a goodbye:

As much as the Catalans have struggled filling the right-back slot in the absence of Dani Alves, who has been far from perfect himself this season, it seems all but certain they'll be losing another contributor at the position.

With Douglas the only natural right-back under contract next season, it's becoming increasingly likely veteran Alves will be offered a new contract if the Catalans' transfer ban isn't lifted.

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