Luis Enrique has refused to deny that Barcelona are keen to sign reported Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United transfer target Alexandre Pato.
The Sao Paulo forward was once considered among the world’s most promising frontmen, having moved to AC Milan from Brazil in 2008. However, while the attacker hit the net on a regular basis in Italy, his countless injuries eventually took their toll and the forward lost his way.
He returned to Brazil with his tail between his legs in 2013, but has shone since overcoming his fitness concerns and has scored 16 goals in all competitions since April.
As such, he has been linked with a return to Europe, with Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all linked to his signature.
Asked about a potential move, Barca boss Luis Enrique refused to deny that that his side were interested in the player, and admitted that he would be keen on making new signings in the January transfer window.
“He was a great player,” the Champions League winning coach began, speaking in a press conference as reported by Le 10 Sport, “but I don’t follow the Brazilian championship and therefore I can’t comment on his current form.
“I’ve been told that the possibility exists to recruit [in January] and that sounds fantastic,” he said, speaking last Saturday, also via the French source.
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“It’s interesting to always stay open to the market, so this seems to be very good news.”
However, Barca may yet face competition from Spurs, Manchester United and West Ham United, all of whom have been linked to his signature over recent months.
The Daily Star reported that United were offered the player for £18.6 million, with a separate report from the same tabloid naming Spurs, the Hammers and Arsenal as potentially interested parties.