In an interview with Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal has confirmed that he likes Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and admitted that a move for him is not impossible to achieve.

The 22-year-old Argentine has been in fine form this season for Inter, who he joined in the Summer of 2018 from Superliga Argentina side Racing Club in a circa €20 million deal.

As per various reports both in the Italian and Spanish media in recent weeks and months, he is one of a number of players on the Blaugrana club’s shortlist as they look to find a long term replacement for ageing striker Luis Suarez.

Barcelona are not alone in courting the Argentine international though with reports also linking him with Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid too.

“To date I don’t have a budget, I just have to do my homework, anticipate decisions, always be aware of what is happening in other clubs and from there, try to convince the players to come. If the finances say it can be done, it will be done, otherwise we will have to find another player,” Abidal explained.

Abidal then went on to sing the praises of Lautaro, who has 16 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions this season for Inter: “I like him but there are others that I like. In his position, he is now among the five or six best players in the world.”

Abidal proceeded to discuss the probability of a move for Lautaro Martinez or Neymar, who has been strongly linked with a return to the club.

“It depends on the planning and on many things. I always say, the important thing for me is the sporting aspect, trying to have a stronger team next summer to achieve our goals as a club, and from there we will see what will happen.

“Having players with the talent Lautaro, Neymar or others have is always positive for the club. Would it be economically feasible? I don’t know today but I don’t see it impossible. We will try to work for that otherwise we will try to find the best to strengthen the team.”