Getafe's Djene open to future Barca move, sources claim

Getafe defender Djene Dakonam is yet to receive any offer from Barcelona for his services, but the Togo international remains a target for those in charge at Camp Nou. 

The Catalans have made no secret of their wish to reinforce their defence in January, with Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen both struggling with injury over the course of the 2018-19 season. 

And with Umtiti still struggling with a knee problem despite returning to first-team action, they are keen to pick up further cover at centre-back once the transfer window re-opens. 

Djene, 26, has emerged as a candidate for Barca due to his fine start to the current campaign with Getafe, with reports from the Spanish press asserting that he is being watched from Camp Nou. 

Indeed, it was Ramon Planes, currently working under Eric Abidal in the club's technical team, who recommended the Togo star to Getafe during his time with the Madrid outfit. 

Sources from Djene's inner circle, however, have told Goal that no approach has been made for the defender. 

"There are only rumours, Djene pays no attention to rumours," those sources insisted when asked on Barca's interest, adding that the player is focused solely on his form at Getafe and that there has been no contact from Barca. 

But those closest to Djene also left the door ajar for a possible transfer down the line. "It is still early", Goal heard, with the prospect that today's rumours could yet become something more concrete. 

Djene, who came to Getafe from Belgium's Sint-Truidense in the summer of 2017, currently has more than four years left on his contract, which is due to expire in June 2023. 

Barca are far from being the only club linked to his services, moreover: Real Madrid and Sevilla have both been mentioned as potential suitors in Spain, while West Ham and Leicester City head up reported interest from the Premier League. 

A veteran of 27 games for his nation, Djene currently has a release clause of €35 million (£31m/$39m), a figure any interested club would have to match or at least get close to in order to tempt Getafe into a sale.

He has played all but one of Getafe's 13 Liga outings to date in 2018-19, helping the Madrid side to a mid-table placing.  

And with just 11 goals conceded they boast a stronger defence than both Barca or Real Madrid so far this season, with only Atletico, Valencia and Valladolid leaking fewer at this stage.