Real Madrid are involuntarily blocking Denis Suarez's Camp Nou move

The hour of truth is upon us. The transfer window opens on Wednesday and Luis Enrique, the manager of FC Barcelona, hopes for attacking additions to help the team in the second part of the season. 

Many names and positions have been studied, but in the end it’s come down to two options: Celta Vigo’s Nolito and Villarreal’s Denis Suarez. Both players who have experience of playing for the Catalan side; both players who’ve been given the green light by the coaching staff. 

But the difficulty in sealing the signing of Nolito has meant the club are focusing on Denis Suarez. Talks are advanced, but Villarreal still need to confirm a replacement. Interestingly, therefore, Real Madrid are involuntary blocking Suarez’s move to Barça as they are refusing to let Denis Cheryshev leave, who is Villarreal’s top target. 

Villarreal have Denis tied down until June and have no need to sell a player who has become key in Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side. In the summer they would be required to accept a Barcelona bid of just over three million euros, although they would be willing to do business in January given Suarez’s desire to move to Camp Nou. 

Both clubs have worked around various scenarios to find an agreement and the most possible outcome is Barça pay an amount superior to what they would have to sign him in the summer. The good relationship between the two clubs and the fact Barça have always negotiated honestly with Villarreal have helped. 

At the moment, the operation is on the right track, but Villarreal have asked for time. They want to guarantee a replacement before allowing the deal to go through, which is where the hold up has come from. 

Their main target is Cheryshev, but Madrid are blocking any deal for the Russian winger. However, Villarreal could be close to signing another player which could free Denis up to move to Barça.