Barca shift focus on Alli after bid for Verratti fails

Barcelona are mulling over a move for Tottenham star Dele Alli with their bid for Marco Verratti stalling, reports claim. Alli was in sensational form for Tottenham last season, scoring 22 goals from 50 appearances.

The midfielder has been a big hit at White Hart Lane since arriving from MK Dons two years ago and is now billed as one of England’s best players. Barcelona, meanwhile, are enduring a poor transfer window with new manager Ernesto Valverde struggling to lure big-name players to the Nou Camp.

They have managed to land Nelson Semedo, re-sign Gerard Deulofeu from Everton and are nearing a deal for Spurs flop Paulinho – but Valverde’s men need more.

Barcelona are desperate to land Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti, but the Italy international is likely to command a world-record fee. And, as a result, Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim Alli is now a target.

It has previously been reported that both Lionel Messi and Neymar would love Barcelona to sign the 21-year-old. Valverde supposedly thinks the midfielder can bring excitement back to Catalonia after their inconsistent season under Luis Enrique last time out.