Barcelona transfer news: Catalans must 'break the bank' to sign Andre Gomes after Chelsea bid rejected

Barcelona will have to break the bank if they want to make Andre Gomes their third signing of the summer. Mundo Deportivo claims Valencia have already turned down a bid of €53m (£45.2m, $58.5m) from Chelsea for the Portugal international, as they are keen to make the most financially out of his rising reputation.

Barcelona have already announced the return of Denis Suarez to the Nou Camp, while Samuel Umititi is expected to follow after his participation in the European Championship ends. Barcelona are understood to have already agreed a €25m deal with Lyon for his services.

Luis Enrique's next target was said to be a versatile forward to serve as back-up to the MSN trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

However, in recent days it has emerged that Barcelona have earmarked Gomes as a top priority, as they see him as a perfect long-term replacement for 32-year-old Andres Iniesta.

Any deal will not be simple for the Catalans though, due to both their financial restrictions and the number of clubs after Gomes' services.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus have all been linked with his signature, while earlier this week Marca reported Real Madrid were also taking an interest.

Barcelona's other issue is, as their president recently revealed, that they only have €60m (£51.1m) plus any money generated from sales to spend this summer. €28m has already been spent on Umtiti and Suarez.

Mundo Deportivo journalist Miguel Rico, one of the more reliable journalists on Barcelona matters, believes Barcelona will be unable to duke it out for Gomes, despite club technical director Robert Fernandez being a big admirer of the player.

Rico reports that Valencia have turned down offers from both Juventus and Chelsea already. The Serie A giants offered €45m, while Antonio Conte's new side put up €53m.

Valencia rejected both offers as they have no desire to part with the player unless they receive a stunning approach. Rico adds that the player's release clause is around €115m, but Los Che would start negotiations at around €85m, a figure Barcelona would be unable to reach even if, as reported, they cashed in on Arda Turan to finance the move.