Barcelona Transfer News: Top Paulo Dybala, Alvaro Negredo, Oscar Cardozo Rumours

Barcelona and Real Madrid both reportedly had scouts at Sevilla’s clash with Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, taking up the chance to view Paulo Dybala firsthand.

That’s according to Tuttosport (h/t Sport), who claims the Blaugrana have taken a particularly keen interest in the Argentina international, despite only moving to Juventus from Palermo last summer. It’s suggested in the piece from Sport the European champions were keeping a close eye on the player before his transfer.

After making the move to the Bianconeri, Dybala had a difficult start but is now beginning to show his class. Here are some of his best moments in a Juventus shirt so far:

As relayed by Sport, Barca talisman Lionel Messi has previously referred to the 21-year-old striker as “the future,” and he was called up to the Argentina squad in place of the stricken Albiceleste skipper last month.

It was a call-up he deserved after some excellent recent displays. Dybala was central to a vital win for Juve, their fifth in Serie A in a row, over Lazio in their last league encounter as they seek to haul themselves back into the race for the Scudetto.

David Amoyal of Gianluca Di Marzio's website hailed how manager Massimiliano Allegri has handled the player:

For Barcelona, Dybala surely represents a more long-term target. Juventus paid big money to land the youngster last summer and will be keen to get as much as possible from their investment. The player will know that he’s better off continuing his progression in Turin anyway, especially with Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez currently flying.

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However, further down the line, Dybala could be an intriguing option. While everyone is enjoying the attacking trio in situ currently at the Camp Nou, there will come a time when this segment of the side needs refreshing.

The Juventus forward certainly seems to have the potential to be that man one day, but not for a while yet.

Barcelona Looking at Alvaro Negredo, Oscar Cardozo

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According to Didac Peyret of Sport, Barcelona are seeking to sign a player who can deputise for Suarez in the side, isolating Valencia’s Alvaro Negredo and Trabzonspor man Oscar Cardozo as possible options.

Peyret writes while the first choice is Nolito of Celta Vigo, the Blaugrana cannot currently afford to spend big when it comes to January purchases. It means manager Luis Enrique will be shopping in the bargain bucket in the mid-season window, with the aforementioned veterans said to be on the hitlist of players.

Here’s how they each compare to Suarez in their respective league campaigns this season:

	Suarez	Negredo	Cardozo
Apps (sub)	13	5	5 (6)
Goals	13	1	5
Assists	3	0	2
Shots per game	3.9	2.4	1.2
Key passes per game	1.5	0.8	0.6
Dribbles per game	0.9	1	0

Neither are comparable in style to the former Liverpool man, but if required, each is capable of doing a decent job at the point of the attack—a position Suarez currently occupies with distinction.

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According to Peyret, Barca have tracked 32-year-old Cardozo for a couple of years and admire the attributes he showcased during his time at Benfica. If they were to turn to Negredo, it’s suggested the most likely possibility would be a loan deal, although he would be cup-tied for Champions League matches; he’s also well acquainted with La Liga.

Here’s a look at why Negredo has been one of the most feared centre-forwards in Spain’s top flight:

Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez are currently doing a decent job as back-up options to the much revered trident, but Barca are lacking a physical option. While they are not a team that are likely to go direct in their style, someone to take a bit of the burden off Suarez, hold the ball up and bring their other attacking players into the game would be ideal.

Both Negredo and Cardozo can do that, are strong in the air and each have a thunderous left foot. Of the two, the latter is more likely to be willing to come in and play a bit part role, given his age and his current club. Negredo, although he’s not been at his best for Valencia, will still be hoping that if he's given a chance under new boss Gary Neville, he can become a key figure once again at the Mestalla.