Plan B: Barça in contact with Kondogbia in case they miss out on Pogba

Plan B: Barça in contact with Kondogbia in case they miss out on Pogba

Geoffrey Kondogbia is Barcelona's alternative to Paul Pogba. To be more concrete, he is the principle option at the moment in the case that Pogba decides to join his friends Zidane and Varane at Real Madrid, or if he takes up Manchester City's mega offer. 

Barça's way to approach signing a midfielder has been designed for a few weeks. Firstly, they will try to seduce Pogba with an important economic offer, while also working out how to hit Juve's demands. However, they are aware that it will be difficult with Real Madrid and Manchester City on the scene. Therefore, Barça need a Plan B. 

At 22, Kondogbia is hardly an unknown. Three years ago, while he was playing for Sevilla, the club spoke briefly with the player's father and the Doyen Group to find out more about his future and the cost of a transfer. In the end, Monaco paid up the 20 million euro release clause. 

Since then, Kondogbia has continued to improve and to show his potential. The Frenchman has grown in all facets; is a midfielder with strong physical attributes; and he can also play. 

Considering the competition in the market, Barça have taken the first step by making contact with Kondogbia. Through Ariedo Braida, who has been to Moncao, the Ligue 1 club are aware of Barça's interest, should they fail to land Pogba. He could be signed this summer, but would be registered to play in January, when FIFA's transfer ban ends. 

Braida was told in a meeting with Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev that there are other clubs asking about Kondogbia. He also revealed to Braida that the player would not leave for anything less than 30 million euros.

As always, the problem lies in the other interest. Various clubs from the Premier League and Serie A are all keen on Kondogbia. 

Contact between Barça and Monaco, though, is fluid. This relationship has allowed the club's technical commission to find out all the details about who else is interested. Therefore, it could turn into an auction, something which worries the Catalan club. 

Tottenham's entry on the scene is not just speculation and the London-based club want to make a significant signing this summer. They have only offered 28 million euros so far, but Mauricio Pochettino wants him and he has asked the club to make an effort.

They were the first to bid, but they are not the only side in the queue. Inter and Milan could both table bids as well. These details could see the price of the player shoot up. However, there has also been interest from Madrid. Rafa Benitez likes the player and if they miss out on Pogba, Kondogbia is also their second choice. 

Barça need to play their cards right. Luckily, in principle, Monaco will not commit to anything without advising Barcelona first.