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Barcelona are reportedly interested in snapping up Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina, who has rejected Real Madrid. The 21-year-old has attracted attention from top clubs across Europe for his superlative performances.
Baturina is off to a solid start to the season, scoring twice and assisting seven times across competitions. That includes a goal and five assists in 11 outings in the Supersport HNL, where Dinamo are third after 13 games, five points off leaders Hajduk Split.
Having made his first-team debut for Dinamo in the 2020-21 season, Baturina is contracted with them till 2028. However, this month - as reported by Barca Universal - the player rejected a five-year deal from Los Blancos.
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Sky Sports Germany's Patrick Berger (via Barca Universal) has reported interest from the Blaugrana in Baturina's services. The report also mentions Manchester United and Atletico Madrid among his admirers, but Baturina - who has received praise from his illustrious compatriot Luka Modric - seemingly favours a move to the Bundesliga instead.
With the midfielder having no reported release clause in his contract with Dinamo, he's expected to fetch the Croatian side €20-25 million in the summer.
What's next for Real Madrid and Barcelona?
Real Madrid and Barcelona have had slightly contrasting seasons, especially in the league. While the Blaugrana have had a near flawless La Liga campaign, defending champions Los Blancos have some catching up to do.
Despite a surprise 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad at the weekend, Hansi Flick's Barca remain six points ahead of second-placed Los Blancos atop the standings, having played a game more. The La Liga leaders were coming off a convincing 5-2 midweek win in the UEFA Champions League at Crvena Zvezda, with Robert Lewandowski starring with a brace.
Following the upcoming interenational break, Barcelona return to action in the league with a trip to Celta Vigo on November 23.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid snapped a two-game losing streak across competitions with a convincing 4-0 home win over Osasuna in the league at the weekend, thanks to a sumptuous Vinicius Junior hat-trick. Carlo Ancelotti's side were coming off a 3-1 home reverse to AC Milan in the Champions League in midweek.
The reigning La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners resume their campaign after the international break with a league trip to Leganes on November 23.
