Norwich City’s Max Aarons nears move to Barcelona

For a change, a transfer story about a player who actually *wants* to play for Barcelona...

Norwich City right-back Max Aarons appears poised to become the latest highly rated English youngster to take his talents overseas as he closes in on a move to Barcelona. Reports that Aarons, an England Under-21 international, was poised to swap Carrow Road for Catalunya surfaced last week, only for Sky Sports to claim the deal had broken down. Barca were said to be keen to secure a loan for the full-back but Norwich were reluctant to reach an agreement unless an obligation to buy the player at the end of the deal was included. Now, according to Guillem Ballague in SPORT, Barca are set to complete the signing in the coming days, initially as a season-long loan but with an obligation to buy for a fee of around £20m (potentially rising by an extra £10m) next summer. Aarons performed consistently well for Norwich in the Premier League, despite their relegation. His performances had also caught the eye of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern, however, appear to be in  pole position to sign Ajax right-back Sergiño Dest. Ballague writes that Barcelona were also interested in acquiring the Dutch teenager but Bayern's healthier financial position makes a move for Aarons a more viable option for Ronald Koeman's side. Barcelona begin the new season on Sunday as they welcome Villarreal to the Camp Nou - their first competitive game since their 8-2 humbling by Bayern in the Champions League. Much has happened since then, with Lionel Messi appearing set to depart before reluctantly deciding to remain with the club. Luis Suarez, too, has seemed likely to leave the club - and still might. Despite persistent rumours linking him with Juventus, it appeared a move to Atletico Madrid was imminent until Tuesday afternoon, when reports claimed Barca had backtracked on aspects of the deal, angering the former Liverpool striker.