Barcelona 'losing hope of Alvaro Morata deal this month'

Barcelona are reportedly not optimistic that they will be able to sign Spain striker Alvaro Morata before the January transfer window closes for business.

The La Liga club's head coach Xavi has allegedly identified Morata as a leading target, but any deal is complicated, as the forward is currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona were thought to have made ground on a possible deal earlier this month, but according to Marca, the Catalan giants are now losing hope when it comes to Morata's arrival.

The report claims that Xavi's side want the 29-year-old on loan for six months, but Atletico are not keen to strengthen one of their domestic rivals.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri wants Morata to provide competition for new signing Dusan Vlahovic, with the Serbia international arriving from Fiorentina.

Morata has been a regular for the Old Lady during the 2021-22 campaign, making 29 appearances in all competitions, contributing eight goals and five assists in the process.