Willian Jose 'emerges as top Barcelona target'

Barcelona reportedly view Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose as their number one target to replace Ousmane Dembele.

The Spanish champions - already without Luis Suarez following knee surgery - will learn next week how long Dembele will be on the sidelines as the France international prepares to undergo a hamstring operation.

Should the 22-year-old be ruled out for five months or more then Barca will be allowed to make an emergency signing outside of the transfer window, although the player in question must be based in Spain.

Real Betis's Loren Moron, Getafe's Angel and Girona's Cristhian Stuani have all been linked with potential moves to Camp Nou, but according to Marca, Willian Jose is the club's leading target.

The report claims that the 28-year-old is viewed as the ideal player to complement Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi in the final third of the field.

Willian Jose, who was also linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window, has scored eight times in 21 La Liga appearances this season.

The South American is thought to have a €70m (£59.4m) release clause in his current deal at the Anoeta.