Barcelona ready €80m offer for Man City target as Iniesta replacement

Barcelona are stepping up their pursuit of Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic, according to reports.

The Catalan giants have been heavily linked with Pjanic throughout the summer transfer window, as they seek a replacement for Japan-bound Andres Iniesta.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that Pjanic is now Barcelona’s main summer target after their efforts to sign Antoine Griezmann fell through.

The 28-year-old joined Juventus from Roma in 2016 and has won back-to-back Serie A titles, but Barcelona want to prise him away as they look to revamp their midfield.

Barca are also interested in taking former midfielder Thiago Alcantara back to the club, but Pjanic is more of a priority.

With Bosnia-Herzegovina failing to qualify for the World Cup, the La Liga champions could have a clear run at negotiating with Pjanic, who has three years left on his contract and had also been linked with Manchester City.

Pjanic’s agent told the Spanish source: “We’re very flattered by this link.

“He’s attracted the interest of great clubs for the good things he’s done with Juventus.

“At the moment Miralem is on holiday, so if Barcelona want to sign him, they must contact Juventus to start negotiations.”

Barcelona are expected to table an €80m offer for the playmaker, according to Tuttosport.

Juventus may seek to replace Pjanic with Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.