Barcelona close to signing Neymar replacement

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Bengaluru, August 7: The departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record transfer fee has put Barcelona in a difficult position in the transfer window.

With the new season set to start in a few days, they have to replace one of the best players in the world however, the money they received for the Brazilian will make the job easier.

They have reportedly identified France international Ousmane Dembele as the one to replace Neymar and have already agreed a contract with the 20-year-old.

According to the Spanish media, Barcelona have begun talks with Borussia Dortmund over a £90 million move for the French starlet having already agreed a contract with the player.

French media claim that Barcelona are not willing to delay in replacing Neymar as it could hurt them in the upcoming season and are prepared to pay Dortmund in the region of €100million (£90m) for Dembele.

The French youngster enjoyed a flying season with Dortmund scoring 10 goals and setting up 21 assists in 49 games in all competitions.

He is predominantly a winger, but can also operate behind the number nine and could prove to be a big asset for Barcelona in years to come if the Blaugrana succeed to capture him.

New Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde's summer business has been quite slow so far and the Catalans have signed only two players in Nelson Semedo and Gerard Deulofeu.

Barcelona want to invest the Neymar money on two players, one being Dembele and the other being Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool, however, it is believed that the Reds are adamant that they will not let their best player move.

They are also interested in Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez, with Valverde seeking reinforcements as Barcelona look to topple back-to-back Champions League winners and deadly rivals Real Madrid who also won the La Liga last season.