Barcelona reportedly decide to sell 24-year-old star in January

What's the story?

Barcelona have a star-studded squad with plenty of options in attack and it seems like Ernesto Valverde has finally run out of patience with 24-year-old striker Paco Alcacer and has decided to let him go in January.

According to reports in Diario Gol via The Express, the Barcelona manager has told Alcacer that he has to start looking for a new club as Valverde believes that the striker does not suit his ideology at all.

In fact, the former Valencia striker has been left out of Barcelona's senior squad in the last two matches and a number of Premier League and La Liga clubs are said to be interested in securing his services.

In case you didn't know...

Paco Alcacer has struggled to make an impact at the Camp Nou

Considered to be one of the brightest young talents in Spain, Alcacer made a move from Valencia last season and was expected to play an important role and contribute goals from off the bench.

However, in 31 appearances for the Catalan giants, the Spaniard has managed to score only 8 goals and Valverde has set his sights on another striker and is looking to offload the 24-year-old as soon as possible. Barcelona are reportedly looking to get a fee of close to £25-30 million for the talented striker.

The heart of the matter

After Neymar's departure to PSG, many expected Alcacer to get regular playing time. However, with Valverde dropping him from the squad completely, the message seems to be clear regarding the striker's future.

Also, with the World Cup coming up in 2018, Alcacer is desperate to go as a backup striker to Morata and Diego Costa and a move away from Barcelona could be the best possible option for the former Valencia man.

Premier League club Tottenham and former club Valencia have both been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old marksman.

Video

When in form, Paco Alcacer can be a valuable addition to any team in the world.

Author's take

With Alcacer finding chances hard to come by at Barcelona, a move away from Camp Nou might be the perfect solution to revitalise his flagging career. Still only 24, Alcacer will be hoping to get some regular playing time and be on the flight to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.