Coutinho, Costa, Ozil... countdown for the Spanish transfer deadline

Coutinho, Costa, Ozil... countdown for the Spanish transfer deadline

Patrick Power 7 years ago 10.3k |

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Coutinho and Ozil, unlikely to join Barca; Diego Costa, in talks with Atletico. BeSoccer

Only a few hours to go until the Spanish market closes after an eventful summer. England, France, Italy and Germany closed their respective transfer windows on Thursday night, and now it's Spain's turn to do the same. There are, however, a few matters to attend to before that happens.

Barcelona hasten to close one more signing

The man of the hour is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian star is keen on a move to Barcelona, but according to 'COPE', the move is 'practically impossible'. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has also stated that the move does not look likely, while Neymar has revealed the player's sadness due to the frustrated transfer.

Liverpool have remained reluctant to negotiate throughout the summer. Klopp and the club's directors believe there is no need to sell, so barring an unlikely last-minute twist, the midfielder, currently with his national team, will stay at Anfield.

Barca have set their sights on Mesut Ozil, according to reports on Friday. However, as published by the 'London Evening Standard', at midday on transfer Deadline Day, Arsenal had not received an offer for the German playmaker.

The Catalans have two other options, though one of them, Di Maria, seems very fanciful. The alternative would be Thomas Lemar, after Liverpool and Arsenal failed in their bid to sign the Monaco man. Barcelona already had him in mind as a back-up plan in case Coutinho's deal came to nothing, but there is no news on that front.

Diego Costa's return?

Far from Barcelona's last-minute struggles, is a former La Liga striker: Diego Costa. The Spain international has endured a despairing summer after Conte told him via text message that he was surplus to requirements. Atletico and Chelsea are in discussions, but the talks could remain unfinished until January, when the Spanish side's transfer embargo is lifted.

At the moment Chelsea and Atletico are in talks to complete the move before 23:59 Spanish time. His arrival would bring hope back to Atletico, after a tricky start to the campaign. The fans remember Diego Costa fondly and would be glad to see him return.

Other names

Chelsea's Loic Remy is very close to joining La Liga side Las Palmas, with the striker likely to arrive hours after the Spaniards announced the signing of Tannane.

A new Brazilian wonderkid could arrive in Spain if Valencia seal the deal. Gremio Porto Alegre are in talks with the Spanish team to finalise the transfer of Luan Vieira. The 24-year-old, who was also targeted by Liverpool, is valued at 10 million euros.