Barcelona transfer news: Club to step up hunt for striker following Samuel Umtiti and Denis Suarez deals?

Barcelona are ready to step up the hunt for a number nine, having already secured a deal for versatile defender Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish publication says Kevin Gameiro, Atletico Madrid outcast Luciano Vietto and Deportivo de la Coruna's Lucas Perez are the names currently on Luis Enrique's shopping list, although there could be other unknown alternatives on the radar.

The reigning La Liga champions have publicly admitted that the signing of a centre-back and a forward, along with the return of Denis Suarez from Villarreal, are their three priorities for the upcoming transfer window.

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez has already confirmed Suarez's return is just a matter of time, with the club agreeing to activate a €3.5m (£2.7m, $3.9m) buy-back clause to lure him back to the Nou Camp.

Mundo Deportivo, meanwhile, reported earlier this week that Barcelona were on the verge of signing Umtiti, having agreed a five-year deal with the France international defender. The story adds that minor details with Lyon still need to be ironed out, but the final fee will be around €25m (£19.8m) plus add-ons of around €5m.

Spanish media is now saying the next step is the recruitment of a forward to serve as back-up for the MSN trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Barcelona had previously been considering a versatile wing-based player such as Ousmane Dembele, but Mundo Deportivo now suggests Luis Enrique has settled on the signing of a specialist number nine as Denis Suarez and Arda Turan can feature on the flanks.

Sevilla striker Gameiro is the number one priority, but may also be the most difficult to procure. Barcelona have already contacted the Europa League champions, only to be told the player will not be allowed to leave for anything under his €40m release clause. Barcelona are not willing to pay more than €25m.

Vietto, 22, has since emerged as a more affordable alternative, especially after he revealed his desires to play alongside Messi at the Nou Camp. An even cheaper option would be Lucas Perez, after the 27-year-old Spaniard enjoyed an impressive 2015-2016 campaign at Deportivo, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists.

Mundo Deportivo also say the club have ruled out Valencia's Paco Alcacer due to his high asking price, while Nolito looks likely to move to Manchester City instead.