Barcelona Transfer News: Robin Van Persie, Miralem Pjanic, Latest Rumours

Barcelona will reportedly send a senior member of their scouting network to run the rule over former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie in the Europa League on Thursday.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (h/t James Phillips of the Daily Star) claims the Blaugrana may even send technical secretary Robert Fernandez to Istanbul to watch Fenerbahce against Ajax, as the Camp Nou giants decide the value of moving for the former Arsenal captain. 

Emrah Gurel/Associated Press

RvP has had a mixed time of it in Turkey since his move to his new club in the summer, finding himself stuck on the bench for periods.

Bleacher Report UK shared a video of the moody attacker looking decidedly unhappy for the Yellow Canaries, with his body language suggesting a move away might be in the offing:

Van Persie suffered the indignation of failing to qualify for Euro 2016 recently, as the Netherlands surrendered their spot to Turkey, who qualified as the best third-placed side. 

Despite his disappointment, Van Persie has continued to find the net for club and country, scoring four goals in as many Super Lig starts for Fener, according to WhoScored.com. 

RvP now looks every bit of his 32-year-old frame, with his injury problems mounting over many years. He maintained a high standard while plying his trade in England, but he doesn't look like the world-class entity of years gone by. 

However, the striker recently showed he still has talent at his disposal, scoring a wonderful free-kick for his club, per Blame Football:

A Mundo Deportivo poll recently asked if the Catalans should take Van Persie as viable option for their attack, with most fans believing the player should arrive at the Camp Nou, as cited by Barca Stuff:

"

Poll: "Would you sign Van Persie for Barcelona?" Yes 73% - No 27% #fcblive (3512 votes) [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) October 16, 2015"

If the Dutchman is supplied the service on show at Barca he would score goals—but it is questionable whether he would have the work rate in his latter years to press opposition defences in the manner of Luis Suarez.

However, he would be a strong option from the bench, and a surprise switch to La Liga would surely appeal to the front man at this stage of his career.

Enrique Eyeing €40m Roma Star

Sergei Grits/Associated Press

Barca coach Luis Enrique is keeping watch over Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic, according to reports in Italy.

Il Corriere della Sera (h/t SPORT) say the former La Maggica boss is keeping tabs on the player in Serie A, with a €40 million price tag on his head. 

SPORT cite Pjanic has a deal with the Roman team until 2018, making the Bosnian a tough target to grab. 

Barca are also reportedly set to add to their defence in the summer, with John Cross of the Mirror saying Aymeric Laporte will arrive from Athletic Bilbao for a fee of £35 million, as the Blaugrana prepare to strengthen after their recent player registration ban. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Van Persie would be a curious addition to Barcelona's ranks, but expectations would be low if he signs a short-term deal with the treble winners. 

Enrique needs reinforcements after the departure of Pedro to Chelsea, but it is difficult to see how RvP would replicate the Spain international's previous function. 

Barca have struggled at times without the injured Lionel Messi, but they have a squad packed with talent. However, depth is clearly a concern if the team loses more players to the treatment table.