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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.

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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."

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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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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Osasuna176742225-325
7Real Sociedad167361611524
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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