Barcelona transfer news: Messi's role in Paulinho move, Barcelona cannot afford Kane and more - 1st October 2017

Agent Messi took the initial step in Paulinho transfer

The Brazilian joined Barcelona in August from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande with a lot of question marks. However, even before the Catalan club contacted Paulinho, it was Lionel Messi who first initiated proceedings.

In an interview with El Periodico, the former Tottenham player revealed:

"It's true. It was in the friendly that we played against Argentina in June. I was preparing to take a free-kick with Willian and another player I do not remember."

“Suddenly, I see Messi from behind, who is approaching me little by little and says: 'Are you going to Barcelona or not?'

This left Paulinho nervous and he asked Willian to take the free-kick. On being asked about his reply, the 29-year old said:

"What did I tell him? If you want to take me, you can take me. I am going."

Well, Paulinho did end up joining the Blaugrana eventually and has been a good fit so far.

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Balague speaks about Harry Kane joining Barcelona

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in world football

The Tottenham forward is one of the best strikers in world football at the moment and had a terrific September. Barcelona's Luis Suarez is not getting any younger and the Catalan club need to find a successor soon and Kane could be an excellent option.

However, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague thinks otherwise as he expressed his opinion:

“Barcelona will not go for Kane. They cannot afford his cost for starters but yes, they will have to start thinking of another striker in a couple of years. In any case, has anybody asked Kane? I honestly believe that for as long as Pochettino is at Spurs, Kane will stay put.”

Moreover, any deal involving a Tottenham player is bound to cost a fortune as seen in the case of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and more recently, Kyle Walker.

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Barcelona's international scout Braida speaks about Goretzka

Goretzka is being scouted by Barcelona

Ariedo Braida spoke to Sport about the Spanish club's interest in Leon Goretzka after scouting the German international this Friday when Schalke faced Bayer Leverkusen.

The club's international scout confirmed that Barcelona were indeed scouting the player and when asked regarding a transfer, he said:

"Without doubt he is a great player. But it's too soon for Barcelona. I travel all over the world in search of the best talent. But our demands are so high..."

While Braida did not mention any concrete interest, Goretzka's contract expires next summer and any move for the player should happen soon.