Barcelona make fresh assault on Verratti

Barcelona are not giving up on Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Marco Verratti, AS has suggested.

After appointing Ernesto Valverde as their new head coach, the Catalans are working on summer reinforcements, and the Italian midfielder remains one of their top targets.

However, sporting director Robert Fernandez is aware agreeing a deal with Paris Saint-Germain will be no easy task since the Saints value Verratti at €80 million and are under no pressure to sell.

Barcelona’s other target Ander Herrera reportedly has no desire to leave Manchester United, meaning the Catalans might have to shift their focus elsewhere.

At the same time, the club remain keen on Hector Bellerin and Ousmane Dembele, while Nelson Semedo is seen as a good back-up option if Arsenal refuse to sell the Spanish full-back.