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Barcelona planning covert move for world-class striker

By Rucker Haringey

STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY - 2017/03/05: Andrea Belotti of Torino FC holds the matchball after scoring a hatrick at the end of the Serie A football match between Torino FC and US Citta di Palermo. Torino FC wins 3-1 over US Citta di Palermo. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY - 2017/03/05: Andrea Belotti of Torino FC holds the matchball after scoring a hatrick at the end of the Serie A football match between Torino FC and US Citta di Palermo. Torino FC wins 3-1 over US Citta di Palermo. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona have been holding secret talks about Andrea Belotti

It’s not easy for a club like Barcelona to keep their transfer intentions quiet these days, but the Catalan giants have managed to keep their pursuit of one Serie A star quiet until now. Word has finally leaked out about the club’s interest in Torino striker Andrea Belotti.

The idea that a major European club would be interested in Belotti’s services certainly isn’t news. He’s been amazing for Torino this season. Belotti’s goal scoring record of 22 goals in just 24 Serie A appearances has caught the attention of almost everyone in the world of football. His Whoscored.com player rating average of 7.73 in league play isn’t too shabby either.

The somewhat surprising thing is the idea that Barcelona is the club most interested in Belotti’s services. At first glance, they seem to be set up front. Belotti is a terrific player, but he isn’t going to displace the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez or Neymar in the Barca lineup.

Nonetheless, reports from Spain are adamant that Barcelona have been engaged in discussions with Belotti’s representatives for some time. Their interest is reportedly well beyond the initial phase. Don Balon goes so far as to claim that Barcelona are the leaders in the summer race for the talented hitman.

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While I certainly believe that Barcelona are interested in the Torino star, I see too many potential stumbling blocks to call them the leaders. First off, as I mentioned earlier, it’s hard to see Belotti earning a spot in their starting XI. He’ll certainly have plenty of big clubs interested in him that can provide him more regular playing time.

Perhaps more importantly, it’s hard to imagine any promising player committing their future to Barcelona until they know who their manager will be. Belotti might be intrigued by the potential of a move to Spain, but he’s not going to do anything until he has a better idea of the club’s direction. It’s impossible for Barcelona to be leaders for any player of real quality at the moment.

Next: Real Madrid redouble efforts to sign Juventus star

Barcelona may have been secretly talking to Andrea Belotti for weeks, but the jig is up now. The Catalan giants will face a massive summer transfer battle if they want to acquire his services.

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