Barcelona identify Mallorca star Ante Budimir to solve striker injury crisis

Barcelona have put Mallorca striker Ante Budimir on their emergency transfer shortlist.

The Catalan giants have been closing in on Getafe’s Angel Rodriguez as they hope La Liga will give them special dispensation to sign a striker to solve an injury crisis.

Angel has been in prolific form and would cost £8m but they are keeping another two options open with Croatian Budimir now also on their list.

Budimir, 28, has scored eight goals this season, has a release clause of £12m and that fits into Barcelona’s budget plan for an emergency deal.

Former Sampdoria striker Budimir caught Barcelona’s eye after scoring twice against them in December and he is on their radar.

They have also looked at Real Betis striker Loren Morón but his £26m price tag makes it difficult for Barcelona so they are now looking at other options, including Budimir.

Angel remains the most likely and he has admitted that he would find it difficult to turn down a move to Barcelona.

Manager Quique Setien has limited options going forward at the moment, and his latest blow has seen Ousmane Dembele ruled out for six months after having surgery on a serious hamstring tear.

Luis Suarez is also out until May at the earliest after having surgery on his right knee, and Barcelona are desperate to find a short-term option to provide a threat up front.

They currently sit three points behind Real Madrid in La Liga and have attracted criticism for their recent form and a perceived over-reliance on Lionel Messi to provide a moment of magic to get them out of trouble.

It remains to be seen whether they can get a striker in before their Champions League last-16 tie against Napoli, with the first leg on February 25, but before that they face two home games in La Liga against Getafe and Eibar.