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Setien keen to add new Barcelona striker before Friday

Setien keen to add new Barcelona striker before Friday
© Reuters
Barcelona have reportedly bid for Everton forward Richarlison.

Quique Setien has admitted he would welcome another striker at Barcelona should the club pull off a January signing.

The Catalan giants are trying to add a new recruit this month to offset Luis Suarez's knee injury that will keep the Uruguay forward out of action for four months.

Barcelona will host Leganes in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Thursday, with the club appearing to have failed in a bid to prise Richarlison away from Everton.

Bournemouth v Real Betis – Pre-Season Friendly – Vitality Stadium
Quique Setien, pictured, has warned Barcelona to keep their cool against Leganes (Mark Kerton/PA)

Negotiations are understood to have broken down on a deal for Valencia's Rodrigo too, and Setien conceded he would be happy to see a new face arrive before the end of the month.

"I am delighted with what I have," said Setien.

"We can't deny that it would be interesting if another player could arrive.

"I depend on those who I have and whoever may arrive is also welcome.

"If that doesn't happen I will be delighted with what I have. If a number nine comes he'll be welcome. This team is ready to compete on all fronts."

Gearing up to host La Liga strugglers Leganes at the Nou Camp on Thursday, Barca boss Setien insisted his side must still be on their guard.

"The reality is that this team can make things difficult for a lot of clubs, they are doing things fairly well despite their position in the table," said Setien.

"What they do they do well. They've improved and have another dynamism they didn't have a couple of months ago.

"They can spring a surprise, we need to be completely focused on the fact this is not going to be easy.

"I've always liked the Copa del Rey. I'm definitely going to try to win it, just like I will try to make us top of La Liga and to win the Champions League."

Soccer – UEFA Cup – Round Of 32 – Athletico Madrid v Bolton Wanderers – The Vicente Calderon Stadium
Javier Aguirre, pictured, believes Leganes can pull off a big shock at Barcelona (Dave Thompson/PA)

Leganes boss Javier Aguirre insisted his side can still carve out the chance of victory, despite Barcelona being the clear favourites.

"I would not tell you that we are favourites because I would lie, but we will have our chance at Barcelona," said Aguirre.

"We will try to take advantage of our virtues that we have, the team wants and sees it as a golden opportunity, and it would also be a magnificent boost for La Liga too."

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rhs 2.0
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool24231056154170
2Manchester CityMan City24163565273851
3Leicester CityLeicester24153652242848
4Chelsea2412484132940
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd249783629734
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs249783832634
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2481063532334
8Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd248972523233
9Southampton2494113142-1131
10Arsenal2461263234-230
11Crystal Palace247982228-630
12Everton2486102835-730
13Burnley2493122838-1030
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2486102436-1230
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2467112734-725
16Aston Villa2474133145-1425
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham2465132740-1323
18Bournemouth2465132337-1423
19Watford2458112136-1523
20Norwich CityNorwich2445152447-2317

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