Barcelona have confirmed they are working on signing Ferran Torres, after the Manchester City forward's interest in a transfer emerged last week.
Under new manager Xavi, Barca have set their sights on Torres — who is 18 months into a five year contract at City.
The Spanish international has developed well at the Etihad, emerging as an effective option through the middle in the absence of a recognised striker in Pep Guardiola's squad.
However, with his importance growing for Spain, Torres is admired at the Nou Camp and admitted he would be open to a transfer back to La Liga.
As well as the news of Torres' interest in leaving, other reports suggested that Barcelona CEO Ferran Reverter and Sporting Director Mateu Alemany had visited the City Football Academy over the weekend for talks with City officials and Pep Guardiola. Among the topics discussed, reports say, was Torres' future.
Now, another Barcelona official — vice-president Rafael Yuste — has confirmed their interest in Torres, as well as the visit to the CFA.
According to AS (via SportWitness ), Yuste said: “ Ferran is a great player and we are working with discretion.
"We have friends at Manchester City and there is good relationship. Ferran Reverter has paid a courtesy call.
"I understand the questions but, out of respect for the players and the clubs, we cannot give expectations that could end up being positive or negative.”
And manager Xavi was also quizzed about the Torres developments after their win over Villarreal on Saturday, refusing to get drawn in on the subject.
He said: “It’s not the right time to talk about signings. Not right after the game, which will give us a great boost of morale.”
If City were to sell, they would expect considerably more than the £20million they gave to a cash-strapped Valencia for a player in the final year of his contract. Barcelona have well-publicised financial troubles, and have previously admitted they cannot sign anybody in January without selling current players, having also been linked with Raheem Sterling.
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