Barcelona close to sign former Real Madrid star

Spanish giant Barcelona, who are facing  crises at the start of new season with Neymar’s departure and Suarez’s injury, now close to sign former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria.

The former La Liga champions chose Angel Di Maria as an alternative to Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele

The Catalan club are desperate for attacking reinforcements following the £198million sale of Neymar to Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

And now they look likely to deal with PSG again over the transfer of former Real Madrid man Di Maria.

The Argentinian’s place in the starting XI is under threat, especially as PSG are believed to be tracking Monaco wonder-kid Kylian Mbappe.

Earlier, in the Super Cup, Barca were comfortably seen off 5-1 on aggregate by fierce rivals Real Madrid, leaving boss Eernesto Valverde in no doubt he needs some big-money signings to turn things around.

And he has been hit with the news Luis Suarez is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury in the El Clasico match.

Suarez pulled up late in the clash at the Bernabeu and with all three substitutes already made, he reluctantly saw the rest of the match out.