EPL: Barcelona close to sealing €55m deal for Torres

Barcelona are on the verge of closing a €55 million deal for Manchester City forward, Ferran Torres.

However, ESPN reports the transfer depends on the LaLiga clubs freeing up space on their wage bill.

Officials from both clubs met on Tuesday to wrap up negotiations.

The deal will be worth an initial €55m with a further €10m in potential add-ons.

Barca are hampered by LaLiga’s financial restrictions and must move players on before they can make new signings.

Their spending limit for this season has been set at €97m by the Spanish league, which is significantly lower than their wage bill.

But they are permitted to spend 25% of any savings they make, be that in wages or transfer fees.

Sergio Aguero’s retirement has freed up some room but they still have much more work to do to be able to sign in January. The club are looking for new clubs for Neto, Samuel Umtiti and Philippe Coutinho, three players that are deemed surplus to requirements, but will also listen to offers for other players.