Barcelona Transfer News: Nolito Rumours Talked Up by Robert Fernandez

Nolito could be set for an emotional return to former club Barcelona after technical director Robert Fernandez commented on the player whilst discussing January targets.

Fernandez told Catalan radio station RAC1 (h/t the Press Association and BT Sport) "there is a real possibility" the forward, who has an €18 million buyout clause, could return to the Camp Nou after leaving the club in 2011:

"

We have the option to bring in reinforcements in the winter transfer window and we are working towards making some signings.

We know what Nolito's situation is.

Nolito is a good player, he is going through a good spell and he is in he national team, which is an important factor.

"

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Barca have far from suffered in Lionel Messi's absence due to injury, but it's highlighted the lack of depth in manager Luis Enrique's squad.

With Pedro now at Chelsea the Blaugrana certainly need a quality attacker who is proven in La Liga.

Step forward Nolito; he departed Barcelona four years ago to join Benfica, but his reputation has exploded in the past 12 months with Celta Vigo.

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Nolito has been one of La Liga's standout players this term, shooting Celta toward the top of La Liga.

The attacker has scored seven goals and grabbed four assists in 11 La Liga appearances, according to WhoScored.com.

The player has refused to rule out a second honeymoon at the Camp Nou, per ESPN FC:

According to SPORT's Lluis Miguelsanz, Enrique wants Nolito "at all costs," but the manager has been told by the club's hierarchy he might be out of their reach. The writer said:

"

Nolito was Luis Enrique's priority, because he knows him as a footballer and his adaptation would be minimal, but Lucho understands the conditions the club has and that the forward wouldn't be used much anyway when the trident is fit. Nolito was ready to move, but for various sporting and, mainly, economic reasons he doesn't look like he's coming to Barcelona.

"

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The debate about value is subjective, and Nolito would cost much less than many of Europe's top players.

His apparent openness to rejoining Barca must also be a consideration, but it is undoubted he would add a different element to Enrique's front line.

Nolito has proved that, despite reaching the latter years of his career, he is one of the most exciting talents in the country, and if Barca do not take his services, another top side surely will.