Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams looking at Memphis Depay...
What's the word?
That's according to Italian journalist Gerard Romero, who delivered a fresh update on the Dutchman's situation at Barcelona to his Twitch channel, where he revealed that Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus are two likely destinations for the forward.
The 28-year-old is expected to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano last week, who tweeted:
"Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future.
"Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs."
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Free agent bargain
That means the former Manchester United man may not cost the Lilywhites' owners, the ENIC Group, a penny in terms of a transfer fee as Barcelona will be desperate to get his wages off the books.
And just like with Ivan Perisic, sporting director Fabio Paratici and his recruitment staff could seal another free transfer masterclass.
Another forward may be the least of manager Antonio Conte's priorities, having added the £60m acquisition of Richarlison to a frontline containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura, but another option would add serious depth and quality to the squad, especially when they could be available for nothing.
The north Londoners will also be competing in the Champions League this season and in a World Cup year, rotation could be imperative heading into the second half of the season - at least if Spurs are aiming to end their trophy hoodoo.
Depay may have struggled in the Premier League before but that came at an early time in his career.
Since then, he has bagged 19 goals in 36 appearances in 2017/18, then 20 goals across 37 league matches in 2020/21, both for Lyon, and even finished last season as Barca's top goalscorer, despite losing his place to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
It's no wonder he has been lauded as a "special talent" by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who certainly knows a thing or two about goalscoring himself.
Not only does he offer goals, though, as he ranks inside the top 1% of all forwards across Europe for passes attempted (48.11 per 90), as well as the top 3% for progressive carries (7.37 per 90), showing that he can get on the ball and help provide for his teammates, whether that be through a pass or a drive through the defensive line, as per FBref.
With Depay valued at €40m (£34m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, it's clear that signing him on a free would be an absolute bargain, not to mention his aforementioned credentials.
As such, the Dutchman would be a pretty good depth option for Conte this season but they'll have to beat Juventus to his signature.
AND in other news, Paratici can seal "incredible" Maddison alternative in Spurs bid for "special" target...