Angel Di Maria was one of the names linked with a move to Barca last summer, either as part of Neymar's €222m switch or in a separate deal. With Liverpool insistence that they would not be forced into selling Philippe Coutinho, the Argentine looked a good option for Barca, with PSG reportedly needing to sell to comply with FFP.
However, the former Manchester United man seemingly wasn't the only PSG player that had caught Barca's eye. According to 'Mundo Deportivo', the 'Blaugrana' saw an attempt to lure playemaker Adrien Rabiot away from the Parisians fall flat as they tried to cushion the blow of Neymar's exit.
When Barca registered their interested in the 22-year-old PSG are believed to have returned with a firm and swift no, with the youngster a key part of the French side's plans going forward. Despite his tender years Rabiot has made 41 appearances for PSG this season, scoing five goals and assisting a further seven.
The French international scored PSG's only goal at the Bernabeu in the Champions League, stepping up when none of the club's stars could manage to do so, though it all turned out to be in vain.
It appears that having failed in their pursuit of Rabiot Barca turned to Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, who arrived at the Camp Nou shortly after Naymer's departure.
22 March 2018