FC Barcelona have publicly courted Neymar for a number of months, but the LaLiga giants have reportedly identified an African star as a suitable alternative to the Brazil superstar.
Barcelona were priced out of a move for Neymar by Paris Saint-Germain during the previous transfer window, but speculation remains that the Catalan giants will return with a fresh bid for the 27-year-old during the January market.
However, the deal remains tricky given PSG's demands, and the Blaugrana have already identified an alternative if reports from Spain are to be believed. According to GOL Digital, Barca have picked out Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze as an option to sign if they are not able to strike a deal for Neymar's signature.
The Spanish publication reported that Villarreal have slapped a €63 million (R990 million) price tag on the Nigeria international's head, which may prove a stumbling block, but that valuation is still far lower than the reported €200 million (R3.3. billion) asking price set by Les Parisiens for Neymar.
Chukwueze joined El Submarino Amarillo from the Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria in 2017 and made his debut the following year, going on to record 10 goals and five assists in 45 senior appearances for the club since.
The 20-year-old was also part of the Super Eagles squad that took part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
