Barcelona chief reveals Marco Verratti wrangle with PSG

Paris St Germain are unwilling to negotiate with Barcelona over star playmaker Marco Verratti, according to the president of the Catalan club.

Italy midfielder Verratti has been linked with Barca throughout the summer, with LaLiga rivals Real Madrid also reported to be interested in the player.

However, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told the Sport newspaper that PSG are unwilling to consider letting Verratti go, but claims the player wants to move to the Nou Camp.

“(Verratti) is a technician. Our coaching staff want him to come and we know that he wants to come to Barcelona,” Bartomeu said.

“The fact that there is no exit clause is a problem because you cannot go there to sign a player. PSG do not want to negotiate.”

Barcelona have reportedly drawn up two alternative targets if they fail to lure Verratti to the Camp Nou this summer.

Catalan paper Sport reported last month that Barca will turn their attention to Man Utd midfielder Ander Herrrera and Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez if they find Verratti to be out of reach.

Former PSG sporting director Patrick Kluivert reinforced the suggeestions that 24-year-old Verratti is keen on a move to Catalonia.

PSG though are desperate to hold on to the €100million-rated midfield metronome and Sport even suggested that the player may need to go on strike to force the hand of the Ligue 1 giants .

Kluivert, who has left PSG in May after a year in the backroom, in June claimed PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi will not agree to sell Verratti.

“I know the president very well and I also know that Verratti wants to go to Barcelona, but PSG will not let him leave,” he told La Sexta.

Diario Gol even reported last month that Barcelona were prepared to offer Rafinha, Arda Turan and Andre Gomes in a bid to get their hands on Verratti.