Barcelona Transfer Roundup: Real Madrid join the race for €80M-rated Barcelona target, Chelsea to battle for superstar, and more - April 23, 2019

Hello and welcome to the daily transfer roundup for FC Barcelona. As we approach the business end of the season, the transfer window is not far behind. Like other clubs, Barcelona are busy preparing for the summer and to reinforce their squad with new signings.

Today's top transfer news and rumours feature Luka Jovic, Philippe Coutinho and Groningen teen star Reiss.

Here the top transfer news and rumours of the day surrounding the Catalan giants!

Luka Jovic's price keeps rising

With 17 goals and 5 assists in the Bundesliga so far, Jovic is one of the breakthrough talents of this season in Germany. The 21-year-old Serbian striker is currently the joint-second top scorer in the Bundesliga, just behind Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

Jovic has also racked up 8 goals in the Europa League and Frankfurt are in the semi-finals of the competition, thanks to his exploits. Frankfurt made his loan from Benfica permanent by signing the striker for just €12 million last week.

According to reports from Sport, Real Madrid have entered the race to secure the services of Eintracht Frankfurt ace, which propelled the Bundesliga club to increase their asking price.

Jović's starting price is 80 million euros and it is very complicated that he comes to Barça. [sport] pic.twitter.com/T3GCKEDbWp

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 23, 2019

Real Madrid were happy to pay €60 million for Jovic but now the price has apparently shot up to €80 million. There is no doubt about the fact that top clubs across Europe are chasing the Serbian striker and former Serbian ace claimed that Jovic would be good for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Savo Milosevic hailed his country's upcoming talent, claiming that Jovic has a sense for goal.

"Luka is very, very, very special. His capacity for scoring goals is incredible. From any position and with any part of the body, he simply senses the goal. He is a natural-born killer."

"You cannot train some of those things. You have them or not. He will be one of the best strikers in the world in a few years, I have no doubt about it. He is still a kid. He is showing some incredible things."

"Both of the big clubs would be great for him and he would be great for Barca or Madrid. It would be a good solution for any of those two clubs."

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Chelsea eyeing a move Philippe Coutinho

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If reports are to be believed, Chelsea are set to battle with Manchester United for Brazilian midfielder playmaker Philippe Coutinho. Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in the coming summer, which propels the Blues to make a move for Coutinho.

Coutinho has struggled to adapt to his life at the Nou Camp despite having a solid start since his transfer from Liverpool in January, 2018. The Brazilian midfielder remains inconsistent this season and has not cemented his place as a starter with the Catalan giants. Coutinho remains the most expensive transfer in Barcelona's history and it goes without saying that his displays are below expectations.

Coutinho has netted 11 goals and provided 5 assists in all competitions and it is likely that he seeks a move with increasing competition of Frenkie De Jong, who will arrive at the Nou Camp this summer.

Barcelona close to signing Groningen prodigy, Reis

FC Barcelona Women v Olympique Lyon Women - UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Final 2nd Leg

According to reports from Sport via AS, Groningen talent Ludovit Reis is a step closer to join Barcelona as the general director of the club himself admitted that there are negotiations ongoing between two club.

Groningen warn Barça Ludovit Reis "won't go on the cheap" https://t.co/aDj6dHh9m9 pic.twitter.com/Tfz8btT55b

— AS English (@English_AS) April 23, 2019

Reis has featured 27 times for the Dutch side this season and has played 7 games for Netherlands u-19 team. The player would cost around €5 million and feature in Barca B once he joins.

“That is not a realistic amount, we’re not going to let any player go on the cheap,” Nijland told RTV Noord. “As yet there is no agreement, but we are in genuine talks.”

"I’m not going to discuss the amounts that were mentioned during negotiations, but I have heard that some people are talking about 12 million or 14 million euros; this is also not true,” added the general director of Groningen.

Meanwhile, the player himself said, "Barcelona's interest can only be viewed as an honour. I am flattered they're watching me."