Report: PSG launch audacious bid to sign Barcelona's Putellas

Paris Saint-Germain women have made an offer for Barcelona's Alexia Putellas and are "in discussion" with the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, AFP learned on Wednesday from a source close to the negotiations.

Talks have been ongoing "for several days" but they are "fairly limited", the source said, confirming reports in several Spanish media outlets.

It is "not certain" the move will take place before the transfer window closes late on Friday with midfielder Putellas under contract with Barcelona until 2026 with an optional extra year.

A source close to Putellas acknowledges that she had received "other offers" but told AFP they were "surprised that a club has been so open with a proposition".

However, the source insisted that Putellas wanted to see out her Barca deal as she was "a Barcelona fan and loves the club" where she has spent her whole career.

However, Putellas could be interested in playing in another league, the source added.

PSG, who have lost star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto and midfielder Grace Geyoro this summer, have already signed Real Madrid defender and captain Olga Carmona.

If the talks with 31-year-old Putellas and Barcelona are successful, the transfer would be the biggest deal of the summer window.

According to the Spanish press, the 2023 World Cup winner and European Championship runner-up this summer has already turned down a four-year contract offer from the Parisians with a higher salary than she would earn at Barcelona.

AFP's source, however, said "discussions are not closed".

Putellas' entourage have not responded to AFP's request for confirmation.

Barca's precarious financial situation, not helped by the ongoing renovation of the Camp Nou, is affecting all sections of the club, including the women's team.

This situation has prompted the club to part ways with several players this summer, including Jana Fernandez, Fridolina Rolfo and Ingrid Engen.