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Barcelona play their first match of 2019 on Sunday night, when they take on Getafe. The Catalans are top of La Liga with a three-point lead over Atletico Madrid.
The Ernesto Valverde-led side could extend their lead and win another title if they get a few key signings to bolster their team, in the January transfer window.
Let's look at the Barcelona transfer rumours and news for 3rd January, 2019.
#1 Barcelona could sign Salah, claims Mido; but Barca may not put in a bid for any Liverpool player
Egypt and Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah has been in great form over the last two years, racking up goals and assists in abundance. He's been an integral part of Liverpool's magnificent form in the Premier League this season.
His stellar form has attracted the interest of La Liga giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are both rumoured to be interested in him.
Former Tottenham striker Mido lavished praise on his fellow countryman, calling him the best Egyptian footballer of all time, and also said that the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid could be interested in signing him.
“You never know in football. If Barcelona or Real Madrid come for you your head is going to flip, all the players are like that. Barcelona and Real Madrid are different – no disrespect to Liverpool. I think Barcelona and Real Madrid were waiting to see how Salah would do this season, they don’t buy players after only one good or great season. I think if Salah scores 25 plus goals, I think they will come for him and it will be difficult for Liverpool to keep him,” said Mido in an interview with CNN.
But Mirror are reporting that Barcelona may not put in a bid for Salah or any other Liverpool player, due to an agreement that they had with Liverpool when they sold Philippe Coutinho. The clause that Liverpool and Barcelona agreed during the Coutinho transfer states that Barcelona will have to pay £89million over the transfer fees for any of Liverpool's players, and that the clause only expires in 2021.
#2 Everton and Guangzhou Evergrande interested in Malcom
A controversial signing that happened in last summer's transfer window was Barcelona's purchase of Brazilian winger Malcom, from Bordeaux. He was set to sign with Italian club Roma, but pulled out of a deal in the last minute, to sign for Barca.
But it hasn't quite worked out for the 21-year-old attacker, as he has featured in just 9 games in all competitions for the club, scoring two goals.
Now, reports suggest that several clubs are interested in his signature, two of which are Premier League side Everton, and Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande. Marca claim that Everton are interested in the Brazilian's signature, and that they were willing to pay €35 million in the summer before his move to Barca. Malcom has reportedly told the club that he is willing to stay and fight it out for a place in the team.
Everton signed three Barcelona players in the summer transfer window - Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne, while Andre Gomes was signed on loan.
Meanwhile, AS (via Bruno Andrade) have reported that Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande have placed a €50m bid for the young attacker.
#3 Munir and Denis Suarez to leave Barca
With Barcelona interested in several young stars, it seems that they are willing to offload some players who haven't lived up to expectations and their progress has stagnated.
Two players who have been linked with an exit from Nou Camp are Munir and Denis Suarez. Munir's contract with the Catalan giants is set to expire in the summer and with the club and player not agreeing to a new contract, he could leave on a free transfer. Mundo Deportivo claimed recently that West Ham United could sign the striker, but he's now linked with a move to German club Schalke, as per Transfer Market Web.
Denis Suarez, meanwhile, is also set to exit the club after not featuring much for the club. The 24-year-old midfielder who re-signed with Barcelona in 2016, is linked with a host of clubs, including AC Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, and his release clause is set at €50m.
