Barcelona Transfer Rumours: Everton Reject Massive £85m Richarlison Bid

Barcelona have reportedly had a massive £85 million (€100 million) bid for Everton forward Richarlison turned down by Carlo Ancelotti's side. 

The Catalan giants are searching for a replacement for striker Luis Suarez, who is out for four months after undergoing knee surgery, but the Toffees "rejected the offer immediately," according to Sky Sports.

Richarlison is reportedly "a long-standing target" of Eric Abidal, Barcelona's sporting director, and the Spanish champions also had an enquiry for the 22-year-old "knocked back" last summer, per the report.

Richarlison joined Everton from Watford in 2018 on a five-year deal for a fee that could rise as high as £50 million, according to BBC Sport. 

The Brazilian has gone on to make 66 appearances for the Merseysiders in all competitions, scoring 24 goals and contributing five assists.

His form saw Everton reward him with a new long-term deal in December 2019 that will keep him at Goodison Park at least until 2024. He told EvertonTV at the time he intends "to be here for a long time."

Richarlison has 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League for Everton in 2019-20 and is a key player, but the reported interest from Barcelona and the huge sum mentioned still comes as a big surprise.

Dominic King at the Daily Mail said Everton have described the reported bid from Barca as "nonsense" and now consider the matter closed.

Martyn Ziegler at The Times also expressed doubts over the report, while ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan said "Barca don't have €100m to sign anyone, never mind Richarlison" and noted how the club have been trying to offload youngsters in order to "balance the books".

Barcelona do appear in need reinforcements in attack due to Suarez's injury and with Ousmane Dembele still out with a hamstring problem, meaning the club's only fit forwards are Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and 17-year-old Ansu Fati.

Manager Quique Setien told reporters on Wednesday that "if a No. 9 comes, he'll be welcome" but "if that doesn't happen, I will be delighted with what I have."

Yet finance is an issue for Barcelona who have spent big on Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong in recent windows. They have already pulled out of a deal to sign Rodrigo from Valencia as they could not agree a fee, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football Espana).

Setien's men still have time to bring in a player before Friday's deadline but are said to be "searching for a good, mobile & cheap No. 9," according to Sport's Toni Juanmarti.