Barcelona Transfer News: Geoffrey Kondogbia Blow, Latest Adriano Rumours

Barcelona may have to look elsewhere if they miss out on the signing of Juventus' Paul Pogba, with mooted back-up plan Geoffrey Kondogbia of Monaco reportedly close to signing with AC Milan.

Spanish outlet Sport recently reported that Barca were eyeing Kondogbia as a midfield target in case Pogba remained at Juventus or moved elsewhere, and contact has apparently been made with Monaco.

However, Italian site Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express) recently reported that Milan are leading the way to sign the £25 million 22-year-old and have already agreed personal terms with Kondogbia.

There may still be hope for Barca, though, as Chapman also reported that Milan have yet to reach terms with Monaco and have had an £18 million bid rejected.

As reported by Sport, Barca will struggle to sign Pogba ahead of financial powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Real Madrid, who are all interested in the Juve star.

But Kondogbia would be a fine alternative signing, and he is certainly worth the reported transfer fee, per French football writer Robin Bairner:

The Frenchman is a powerful runner on the ball with terrific distribution skills, and he's strong defensively.

Also, at just 22 years old, the scope for improvement for Kondogbia is huge, and he could be a midfield stalwart for Barca for years to come.

Barcelona's transfer ban, which will not be lifted until January, obviously complicates matters, but Tomas Andreu Sport said, "He could be signed this summer, but would be registered to play in January, when FIFA's transfer ban ends."

Fresh from their treble-winning season, Barca could be forgiven for resting on their laurels. But they need to strengthen to keep ahead of the game, and Kondogbia could prove a fine signing.

Adriano Departing to Sevilla

David Ramos/Getty Images

Sevilla are apparently looking to negotiate with Barca to bring back their former player Adriano from the Camp Nou.

The Brazilian defender was only a bit-part player for Luis Enrique's side last season, appearing just 16 times in La Liga, per WhoScored.com.

And Sevilla have now made an enquiry about the 30-year-old, as they look to replace likely outgoing left-back Fernando Navarro, per Sport's Toni Juanmarti.

Adriano's agent Paulo Afonso recently suggested his charge may be open to a move this summer in a bid to play more first-team football, per Catalan sports newspaper El Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN FC):

"

Adriano is very happy at Barca. He gets on well with everyone and has had an incredible history there. But he wants to play, he wants more minutes and that is the only thing that makes him ponder a move away from Barca. We are listening to offers and once we have one that convinces the player, we will meet with the club to find the best possible solution for the two parties. We want a club that offers him more playing time and one that will play in the Champions League. 

"

A switch back to Sevilla for Adriano—the club he left in 2010 after five years—looks ideal for all parties. Barca do not necessary need him, but Sevilla do, and the player will surely be happy to return to his old club, who can offer him Champions League football.

It seems to make perfect sense.