Barcelona make breakthrough in talks for Inter striker Martinez

Barcelona and Inter have agreed an outline of a deal for Lautaro Martinez, claims Spanish outlet AS.

The Spanish side are in financial turmoil following the coronavirus pandemic and cannot afford to match Martinez's £97m release clause.

Barcelona have instead been working to drive down Martinez's asking price by using some of their current players as a makeweight.

Barcelona have reportedly agreed they will pay no less than €60m (£52.2m) for the 22-year-old and Inter will also receive two of their players.

No players have been discussed as of yet but the leading candidates are Arturo Vidal, Samuel Umtiti and Ivan Rakitic, all of whom are free to leave Barcelona this summer.

Martinez has formed a formidable partnership up front with Romelu Lukaku this season after finally being allowed to flourish in Mauro Icardi's absence.

The Argentine, who is desperate to play with Lionel Messi, has scored 11 goals in 22 league appearances this season but has the worst pass success rate of all outfielders in Serie A (59.5%).