Barcelona to use Rafinha as part of the deal to sign Eriksen

FC Barcelona are heavily linked with Tottenham star midfielder Christian Eriksen.

According to Sport, FC Barcelona are considering to use Rafinha as part of the transfer deal to land Christian Eriksen to Camp Nou. Sport also earlier reported that Spurs’ manager Mauricio Pochettino is fond of the Barca midfielder.

Rafinha spent the 2017-18 season on loan at Inter Milan, and the Italian club is yet to make a decision on his future. Sport reports that Inter was initially inclined towards making the deal permanent on a 35 million pounds deal, but now believe that Barcelona can be pursued with a cheaper offer.

It seems unlikely that Rafinha will be in Ernesto Valverde’s part of the plans for the next season, and hence Barcelona is determined to off-load the midfielder.

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen has been one of the most important players for Mauricio Pochettino over the years at Tottenham.

The 26-year old midfielder enjoyed a good season with Tottenham on an individual level. Eriksen scored 13 goals, while assisting 14 in 49 games for Tottenham this season. A move to Barcelona would be considerable for Eriksen, as the frustration at not winning trophies with the North London club could be a contributing factor.

Earlier, Sport reported that Eriksen could play behind the attacking trio of Coutinho, Messi and Suarez next season for Barcelona. Barcelona could face issues with starting XI if Griezmann joins the Catalan side.

Eriksen’s deal with Tottenham expires in 2020, and the club is considering extending his further contract, following a new six-year deal with Harry Kane.