Barcelona 'holding talks' with Celta Vigo over Nolito

Barcelona are reported to have opened negotiations with Celta Vigo over a deal for striker Nolito.

Catalan daily Sport reported that the 29-year-old forward could join the Camp Nou on a loan deal until the end of the season, with the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer.

The paper claimed either Sandro Ramirez or Munir El Haddadi could be offered as makeweight to persuade Celta to part with their leading striker midway through the season.

Barca boss Luis Enrique said signing a forward in the January transfer window was a priority on 12 January, with Nolito and Villarreal forward Denis Suarez the two closest-linked with a January move to the Catalan capital.

"If any reinforcements are to come then I believe that right now we need to reinforce the attack," Enrique was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror. "In order for reinforcements to arrive, we've got to negotiate and these are always difficult. It's not easy for a team to let important players leave halfway through the season, in the winter window."

Arsenal interest

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Nolito, who has scored eight goals in 15 league appearances for Celta this campaign.

The Mirror claimed last month that Barcelona were unwilling to meet Celta Vigo's £15m ($23m) asking price for Nolito, putting the Gunners in pole position in the race to sign him. But it now appears that Barca's offer of a loan deal could see him move to Catalonia instead.

Nolito suggested last month that he would be open to extending his contract with Celta.

"I think if Barcelona really wanted me they would have called Celta and I am not aware of that," he was reported as saying by Express in December. "The only truth is that I'm happy in Vigo and, therefore, with just minor details to be resolved, I am going to renew my contract with Celta shortly."

Nolito has five international caps for Spain and previously played under Enrique at Barcelona B and Celta Vigo.