Hunting in Brazil: Barcelona's No 9 will be found in South America

Barcelona are getting close to signing the striker they want and Robert Fernandez's trip to Brazil is a clear sign that negotiations are accelerating. The technical team have made clear the objective is to sign a young goalscorer, with potential, that fits within the club's economic parameters, and above all, accepts the challenge. The list is short and is limited to four or five names, but many of them are in Brazil. Gabriel Jesus is a clear target at Palmeiras, but Luan (Gremio) and Calleri (Sao Paulo) are also players the club has followed. A short list worth the trip and some tough negotiations.

Robert arrived on Thursday night accompanied by Andre Cury, Barcelona's man in Brazil. His intention was to test the availability of the players. To explain the project and convince the stars so negotiations could progress. And time is ticking down, with Barcelona aiming to get the deals done within 15 days.

Barcelona's objective with Gabriel Jesus is pay a reasonable transfer fee, although they know they will have to offer the player a big salary. He has a large offer from Manchester City, but Barcelona wanted to check the matter out first hand. It's tricky but the option to sign him is not yet removed.

Two names emerge from Brazil that the sporting director has covered. One of them is Sao Paulo striker Calleri. The Argentine will play the Olympic Games with his country and has been one of the revelations of the Brazilian league. He would love to sign for Barcelona. Sevilla made contact but the operation was not closed. He is ready to come to Europe and would cost around 15m euros. 

The final candidate is Gremio's Luan. He is part of Brazil's Olympic side. His name has been on the table at Barcelona for many months and would cost around 20m. In Brazil they say that he is ready to play in Europe for his quality and nose for goal.

SPORT can confirm Robert Fernandez has set up various meetings with agents. Cury has advanced the work and he was in Barcelona last week to provide the most recent information ahead of negotiations. The Brazilian route had been the B plan because Barcelona thought they were going to sign Vietto, but the folder has been opened again. The players being looked at are bets for the future, just like all of the club's signings this summer.