Barcelona prepare shock swoop for Atletico Madrid star Alvaro Morata

Barcelona are lining up an audacious swoop for Alvaro Morata in January, with new boss Xavi reportedly phoning the Spain international over a loan move.

Morata, 29, is a Juventus player until the end of the season after the Italians signed the striker on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

However, the former Chelsea man has failed to replicate his superb displays from his first spell in Turin and was seen engulfed in a touchline row with boss Max Allegri during Juve's 2-0 win over Genoa this month.

In the 72nd minute Morata was penalised for a handball in Genoa's area and he was aggrieved, opting to unleash some choice words in the direction of the referee and Genoa defender Davide Biraschi.

Morata was unhappy with Allegri's decision and let his feelings be known, and the Juventus manager was heard telling his striker to 'shut up'.

Now, Diarro AS via Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are willing to offer Morata an escape and Xavi has spoken with the striker over a loan move until the end of the season, with the possibility of a view to a permanent deal.

Morata is interested in the move and despite a deal appearing complex - with Juventus and Atletico both needing to approve the transfer - a move would suit all parties.

Juventus, like Barcelona, are encountering their own financial difficulties so would benefit from getting Morata off the wage bill while the 29-year-old's prospects of playing at the Wanda Metropolitano are very limited.

The Italians' need to find a replacement could pose a stumbling block, with the Turin outfit given little time to scout out options, as well as limited finances to spend, during the four-week window.

Barca boss Xavi is desperate for reinforcements up front after the shock retirement of Sergio Aguero and despite already signing Ferran Torres from Man City for £55million, he is after another addition up top.

The Catalans need to reduce their wage bill in order to sign another player, with Torres still yet to be registered due to issues with LaLiga's salary cap rules. Barcelona are looking to offload the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti to free up the wage bill to allow greater flexibility to sign players.

Elsewhere, Barcelona's negotiations with Ousmane Dembele have encountered a major setback with the Frenchman unhappy with the club playing poverty despite being linked with Erling Haaland.