Transfer Speculation

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona may be looking to bid for Brazilian Felipe Melo of Fiorentina.

Although Javier Mascherano and Daniele de Rossi have been linked with the Blaugrana as they look to strengthen their midfield, those deals seem more and more unlikely, and Barca are eyeing the Confederations Cup winner.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Guardiola has named Melo as a suitable alternative, and he will certainly be interested should the European champions come knocking at his door.

After a stellar season for Fiorentina, Melo has established himself as a regular in the Brazil national team, playing every game as they triumphed in the Confederations Cup in South Africa. He also has considerable experience in the Primera Liga, having played for Mallorca, Racing Santander and Almeria previously.

However, a move is still a distant possibility, as the player has repeatedly spoken of his desire to stay with La Viola, who have no intention of selling him. It is believed that Barca would have to offer a minimum of €20 million to begin to interest Fiorentina.

With Yaya Toure's contract negotiations still underway and him and Seydou Keita both expected to miss a crucial month of games come the African Nations' Cup in January, Melo may be an excellent alternative, but the move is so far simply speculation from the Spanish media.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with Melo as well, but so far Fiorentina have insisted the Brazilian is not for sale.