Barcelona may reportedly be forced to abandon plans to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
La Blaugrana manager Ronald Koeman is thought to be eyeing midfield reinforcements for the 2021-22 season, but the Catalan giants ultimately missed out on the signing of Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum was heavily expected to reunite with former Netherlands manager Koeman at Camp Nou, but Barca are now being forced to seek out alternatives.
Real Sociedad's Merino has reportedly emerged as a potential target, but Marca now claims that the cash-strapped Catalans may also be forced to end their pursuit of the 24-year-old.
Barca are focusing on the signings of free agents as they battle a mammoth €1bn debt, and the report claims that Sociedad will not allow Merino to depart for anything less than his €60m (£51.5m) release clause.
Merino scored two goals and set up six more in 36 appearances across all competitions last season, and his deal at Sociedad does not expire until 2025.
Ben Knapton
