Barcelona eye former West Ham United star as Dembele replacement

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for Alaves striker Lucas Perez, according to AS.

Barca are continuing their search for the short-term replacement to the injured Ousmane Dembele in accordance with RFEF and have identified Perez as a possible option.

However, Alaves are reportedly wanting the Catalans to meet the entire release clause of the 31-year-old, which has been set at €25m.

Besides Perez, Barca are also keeping tabs on Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose and Angel Rodriguez from Getafe. The La Liga giants have also made contact with Zaragoza's Luis Suarez, who is bound to the Premier League outfit, Watford.

Barca are in dire need of attacking reinforcements following the injuries to Suarez and Dembele, leaving Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati as the available options.

Even Quique Setien admitted that he would have prevented Carles Perez’s loan move to Roma if it were for Dembele's injury.

Barca are now set to face Setien’s former club Real Betis on Sunday after their Copa del Rey elimination at San Mames.