5 clubs Barcelona have angered with their transfer negotiations this summer

5) Nice

Barcelona want to sign Jean Michael Seri from Nice

With their midfield in disarray, Barcelona have been looking for the perfect player to replace Xavi. While that is virtually impossible with the current crop of players, they have identified the Nice's Jean Michael Seri (aka the 'African Xavi') as a potential successor.

"He would do very well at Barca! He can play anywhere in the middle. Seri is fantastic. I can say, without hesitation, that he has what we call 'Barca DNA'." - Xavi

There we go again with that Barca DNA that has lured so many players with the promise of achieving their goals at the Camp Nou.

Plenty of reports stated that Barcelona were willing to pay €40m for the Ivorian central midfielder but Nice general manager Julien Fournier said last night that such was not the case.

"We haven't negotiated with Barca, nor do I know of any negotiations lined up in the next few days. They're just rumours, so we haven't set a price for Seri. I think the player will stay with us this season.

"It's true that he is open to listening to offers but he's also happy at Nice, whether we qualify for the group stages of the Champions League or not." - Fournier

Nice reportedly want not only cash but also a player in a cash-plus-swap deal. And journalists claim the club is annoyed with Barcelona who only wanted to pay for the player.

The Ligue 1 club clearly want to ensure they have their squad ready and not be left hanging following any potential sale of Seri. But Barcelona's dealings will probably see them retain Seri for another season unless the Catalan club can renegotiate or meet their terms.