Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Vermaelen Rumours

Barcelona are reportedly set to return with another bid for Palmeiras starlet Gabriel Jesus after failing to land him with their initial offer of €19 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

According to Sport's Joaquim Piera, the powers that be at the Camp Nou will meet "this coming week" to discuss transfer plans with Jesus being a "focus." The forward is also said to be pursuing the move himself "and will do his part to force any deal through," which leaves Barca "confident" they can secure him despite interest from Real Madrid.

He has a €24 million release clause that they are willing to meet, but if possible, the Blaugrana are hoping to pay less than that, as his rights are split between several parties including the player, the club and his agent.

Lastly, Piera adds the Catalan giants are hoping he can form a positive relationship with Neymar while on Brazil duty at the Rio Olympics this summer.

Sports journalist Jonas Giaever believes comparisons between the two are apt:

Indeed, the 19-year-old is similarly blessed with exceptional technical ability, as the following video demonstrates:

If Jesus can follow a similar path to Neymar but add consistency and end product to his game, he could become a huge success. Fox Sports' Keith Costigan believes he will be:

The youngster's goal contribution already seems to be improving—after netting four goals in 20 games last year, he already has 12 in 15 this season.

Barca are in need of further cover for their front three, and there are perhaps no better players for him to hone his craft under than Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. He could be an outstanding buy.

Meanwhile, according to Sport's Toni Juanmarti, Thomas Vermaelen will become the latest player to depart the Camp Nou upon Samuel Umtiti's arrival, with the club hoping "to complete a deal next week."

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The Belgian will most likely be heading to Serie A with Roma and Inter Milan interested in signing the centre-back, who Juanmarti noted has a valuation of €10 million.

Vermaelen is only two years into his five-year deal at the Camp Nou, but injury has seen him struggle to make an impact. Indeed, he made just one appearance in his first season and 20 last year.

La Liga writer Andrew Gaffney wondered how he earned a selection for Belgium's UEFA Euro 2016 squad:

The 30-year-old went on to have a strong tournament, but with Umtiti's impending arrival, it's difficult to see where he'll get game time even if he stays fit.

Providing he can avoid injury, a move to Italy could revitalise his career.