Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Nolito, Jamie Vardy Scouting Rumours Emerge

Barcelona will have to reconsider the hunt for Celta Vigo striker Nolito following reports the club's financial situation will limit their movements this January, while the Blaugrana are reportedly chasing Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.

According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, the reigning La Liga champions may only loan Nolito with the option to buy next summer, because meeting his €18 million (£13 million) release clause would put the club at "financial risk" (h/t Football Espana).

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The club's transfer embargo will be lifted on January 1 and permit the club to once again register new players, but it's added the Barca board are "committed to lowering the debt ratio until 2018."

Ex-Barcelona forward Nolito previously worked under Barca manager Luis Enrique and called the coach one of his "sporting fathers," per Sportium (h/t Spanish newspaper Sport), before going on to assure Celta fans he's happy where he is:

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I'm calm, I have my feet on the ground. I intend to keem to myself and disconnect from the stories around about my future. What will happen will happen. I can never say I will not drink this water, but at the moment I'm loving it in Vigo and I have to respect Celta. 

We are competing very well. The squad has quality. I'm sure we will be high [in the table] if we keep being humble. When thinks work it's logical to talk of reaching very high, but there's a lot of the season to go and we have to go slowly. I'd love to play one day in the Champions League with Celta Vigo. I did it with Benfica and it was great. The bar has to be high. If we get into Europe we would have a flamenco party to celebrate.

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It may come as sore news for any Barcelona fans who were hoping to see the club invest heavily this winter, especially after injuries to the likes of Lionel Messi and Rafinha have left the squad short of resources lately.

However, fan account La Masia questioned whether Nolito is worthy of investment considering Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will be available for registration in January:

Nolito is in the form of his life after netting seven goals in 11 appearances this season, already half his career-best in La Liga—he scored 14 in 35 outings during 2013-14.

The 29-year-old played for Enrique during their time together at Barcelona B and spent a season under his guidance at Celta before the tactician took his post at the Camp Nou last year.

Celta have soared from top-flight minnows to top-four contenders in the space of just a few seasons, and it's unlikely the club will be looking to help direct rivals Barca strengthen with a loan move for their star forward.

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The Blaugrana can be more upbeat about their chances of signing in-form England international Vardy. The Daily Mail's Matt Barlow reported scouts were set to watch the striker during the Three Lions' friendly against Spain on Friday.

That was until injury ruled the Foxes' forward out of the Alicante encounter after netting 12 goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season.

Vardy has amassed that tally after dazzling as the Premier League's rags-to-riches story this term, and Sky Sports recently compared his numbers to those of international team-mate Wayne Rooney:

A move to the Camp Nou would represent a drastic change in circumstance for the former Stocksbridge Park Steels striker, but despite the obvious allure, contending with the likes of Messi and Neymar could end the dream run all too soon.

That being said, Barca's alleged intention to watch Vardy in action suggest the club's interest could in fact be genuine, although news of Real Madrid's competition for his services won't be welcomed.