Report: Barca could sign United target Fernandes to secure Rodrigo swoop

Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno, and to do so, the Catalans could acquire Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes before shipping the Portuguese midfielder to Valencia, according to ESPN FC's Moises Llorens and Sam Marsden.

Rodrigo apparently hasn't trained with Los Che this week as Valencia and Barcelona continue advanced talks for the striker, who's been pegged to replace long-term injury absentee Luis Suarez. The reigning La Liga champs are pushing for an initial loan and subsequent obligatory purchase for Rodrigo, according to Llorens and Mardsen.

Barca and Valencia are also understood to be discussing a more complicated deal involving Sporting star Fernandes, who's been frequently linked with a January move to Old Trafford. A loan for Fernandes to Valencia after he signs for Barca would help cement Rodrigo's potential move to the Catalan capital.

Super agent Jorge Mendes could play an important role in pulling off this intricate swap. Mendes, who's Rodrigo's agent but doesn't represent Fernandes, has close links with the United target.

United's discussions with Sporting for Fernandes have reportedly broken down. The Portuguese side apparently wants €80 million for the 25-year-old, a number that United have balked at, offering instead an amount in the neighborhood of €60 million.

Barcelona have also been linked with Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though the club sees Rodrigo as a more realistic transfer target.

With an eye on Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations, Barcelona are looking to make fiscally responsible moves in the January transfer window. They reportedly need to accrue €100 million before the end of June to help balance the books and avoid a potential FFP penalty.