Barcelona join Manchester City in Jeremy Doku chase as talks begin

As reported by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Barcelona are competing with Manchester City to sign Rennes’ Belgium international winger, Jérémy Doku, this summer.

As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are interested in the 21-year-old as a replacement for fellow winger Riyad Mahrez, now 32, who departed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli last week. Talks are already underway between the player and the Premier League winners, but no offer has been made, and City are yet to speak with Rennes over a fee.

While the Manchester club remains the most likely destination for Doku, Barcelona are also very much in the running, says Tavolieri, with the La Liga side looking at a replacement for PSG-bound Ousmane Dembélé, whose release clause was triggered by the Paris club earlier today.

Valued by Rennes at around €50m, talks over Doku’s future are in their infancy but movement is expected soon for the unpredictable, skilful wide man who finally found form and fitness in Ligue 1 at the end of last season following two years of repeated fitness issues.

Adam White | GFFN