Barcelona Transfer News: Angel Correa Bid Rejected, Fresh Luciano Vietto Rumours

Atletico Madrid have reportedly rejected a Barcelona bid for the 21-year-old forward Angel Correa.

According to AS (via Sport), Barca see the young Argentinian as a candidate to provide backup for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, but their first approach for him has been rebuffed by Atleti.

The report added that Correa is viewed by the Madrid outfit as a key part of manager Diego Simeone's plans while also relaying comments from "sources close to Barca" that read: "[Correa] has tremendous talent and a romance with the goal when he has confidence."

It seems, then, that the Blaugrana are keen to snap Correa up but would have to push hard to sign the versatile frontman.

He is certainly a player of immense talent, and he notched five goals and four assists in 26 Primera Division appearances last season, only eight of which were starts, per WhoScored.com.

As noted by Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, Barca need another attacker so manager Luis Enrique can rotate more often and take pressure off from the main front three:

Nolito was previously a target, according to James Ducker at the Telegraph, but he has joined Manchester City. Correa would be a much more long-term buy for Barca than the 29-year-old Spaniard.

As would another Atleti player, Luciano Vietto, whom Barca are also reportedly pursuing, per the Mirror's Ed Malyon:

The 22-year-old Argentinian was less prolific than Correa last term, netting only once in La Liga and providing three assists in 19 appearances—12 starts—per WhoScored.com.  

However, he is similarly versatile, as he can play both as a central striker and on the flank. Like Correa, he also has massive potential.

Vietto only moved to Atleti last season after netting 12 times in the league and six times in the UEFA Europa League for Villarreal during the 2014-15 campaign.

Atleti are unlikely to want to move him on so quickly despite the fact he's not yet a regular starter. Football writer David Cartlidge believes the only way Barca could sign either Vietto or Correa is if the Madrid outfit received a buyback clause:

Atletico are likely to be reluctant to let them go without having the chance of getting them back, and Barca may be happy to take either on that basis, as neither would be an immediate starter.

The Camp Nou outfit needs further depth in attack and will want to seal a deal for a new forward soon. Either Vietto or Correa would be a fine addition.