Barcelona to sign 3 Spanish players in the summer, Top transfer target says no to Barcelona and more: Barcelona Transfer News, 2 March 2019

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Barcelona Transfer Roundup. Let's take a look at all the top transfer news, rumours and updates of the day involving La Blaugrana!

Philippe Coutinho's value diminishes, huge blow for Barcelona

Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho for a club record amount of money in the winter of 2018 amid huge fanfare. After turning it on in his initial months at the club, Coutinho has faded out of significance and now bides his time on the fringes at Camp Nou.

Barcelona had paid €140 million to secure the services of the former Liverpool man. However, now his value has dipped to €100 million as per TransferMarkt.com (courtesy: Mirror).

Whilst the Barcelona top brass is none too pleased about the latest development in the Coutinho saga, admirers Manchester United have been handed a major boost as it looks like they can land their man for a bargain price as Barcelona are looking to sell the Brazilian in the summer.

Lille striker Nicolas Pepe rejected a move to Barcelona

Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe, one of the few in-form strikers who are looking for a move away in the summer, is unlikely to move to one of the most high-profile admirers on the list- Barcelona. That's according to reports in Spain, where it's being claimed that the 23-year-old rejected a move to Barcelona in the winter.

Pepe, an Ivory Coast international, chose not to move to Barcelona owing to fear of playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez. He has been on fire recently and has scored 16 times for Lille in Ligue 1.

Ernesto Valverde wants 3 Spaniards in the summer

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Copa del Rey Semi Final: Second Leg

The Barcelona manager has set out his objectives for the summer and has now asked the top brass to get him 3 Spaniards to ensure smooth sailing in the 2019-20 campaign, according to reports.

The first player on the list is Marc Bartra who Valverde believes will shore up an ageing Barcelona defence. The second player on Valverde's list is Iker Muniain. The report claims that Valverde has been an admirer of the player since his days at Athletic Bilbao.

The third one is a recommendation from Eric Abidal. Valverde wants Barcelona to sign 19-year-old Soro versatile attacking midfielder to inject some young energy into their midfield.