Barcelona have touched base with the entourage of Nice midfielder Jean Seri and are waiting for the green light from incoming coach Ernesto Valverde before approaching the Ligue 1 club to negotiate for a player who is also on Tottenham Hotspur's radar.
The 25-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder has attracted the attention of top clubs with his performances in the middle of the park for Nice, who finished third in Ligue 1 this season.
Barcelona are currently leading the chase for his signature and according to Mundo Deportivo, the club have been in touch with the player’s representatives over a transfer.
Seri is Barcelona’s top target in the summer and it has been claimed that despite a release clause of €40m in his contract, the midfielder could join the Catalan giants for €20m or less.
The midfielder is a Barcelona fan and he included the provision in his contract with Nice, which could allow him to join them for a lower fee if the Catalan giants want him.
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However, Barcelona may need to move fast for his signature as they could face competition from a clutch of clubs, which includes Tottenham and Monaco, who are also interested in Seri.
Barcelona are currently waiting for incoming coach Valverde to give the green light.
The midfielder has scored seven goals and provided nine assists in Ligue 1 for Lyon this season.
