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Memphis Depay close to shock deadline day move to Barcelona

Memphis Depay - Olympique Lyon
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Lyon sporting director Juninho has confirmed Memphis Depay and FC Barcelona have agreed on personal terms, opening the door for a deadline day transfer.

Former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has been keen to bring Depay over to Camp Nou this summer since replacing Quique Setien as head coach in August.

The 57-year-old openly acknowledged the rumors last month, but confessed Barcelona ‘must sell first’. It’s led to widespread speculation that Ousmane Dembele will be sold amid links to Manchester United.

Now Juninho has revealed that Depay has agreed on personal terms with the Blaugrana and could leave before Monday night’s deadline.

“Memphis? He is in his last year of [his] contract. He [has] agreed with Barca,” Juninho told Telefoot on Sunday. ”Maybe he will leave tomorrow, but nothing is certain.

“He’s most likely to leave, but if he stays I hope he will help us win the matches.”

Jeff Reine-Adelaide, on the other hand, won’t be leaving the French club this summer.

“Jeff and Depay, they’re two different cases,” added the Lyon sporting director. “Jeff, we never thought about parting with him. You have to ask him the question. He didn’t agree with Hertha [Berlin].

“If he stays with us, I hope he has the personality to react on the pitch. If he agrees with them, he will leave, otherwise, he stays.”

Depay came on for the final 21 minutes of Lyon’s 1-1 draw against Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday evening.

The latest reports suggest Barcelona can sign the Dutchman for €25m plus add-ons. Selling Dembele, however, is necessary to build sufficient funds.

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