Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Lautaro Martinez but the signing could depend on whether they manage to shift Phillippe Coutinho, according to reports.
The Argentine striker has been a target for the Catalan giants for much of the season, having scored 17 goals in 38 games so far this season.
ESPN are now reporting that Martinez, 22, has reached a verbal agreement to move to Camp Nou, but insists any move remains dependent on Inter agreeing to selling their star man.
However, the report adds that there is an added complication, with the Serie A side preferring a cash deal as opposed to any swap deals involving players, which Barcelona had been hoping to negotiate.
Therefore, their hopes of landing Martinez this summer hinge on who they can get off the wage bill, with club-record signing Coutinho viewed as the player that could bring in the most money.
The report adds that Barcelona acknowledge they are likely going to have to accept a huge loss on the £145m they paid to Liverpool in January 2018.
The club are also hoping to raise funds by selling Nelson Semedo, Ivan Rakitic and possibly Ousmane Dembele.
The Catalan giants have reportedly had to strike £179million (€200m) from their transfer budget due to the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.
Even before the outbreak of the pandemic, the club had reportedly never had any intention of paying the £100m (€111m) release clause in Martinez's contract at San Siro.
The claims come amid reports that Inter are preparing to offer Martinez a new deal to shun a switch to Camp Nou, while CEO Giuseppe Marotta urged the Argentina striker to 'find peace of mind'.