Barcelona cool interest in Roberto Martinez, Inaki Pena eyeing a loan move

Ronald Koeman-Barcelona

Barcelona cool interest in Belgium boss Martinez

Barcelona have cooled their interest in Belgium coach Roberto Martinez, who is a reported target to replace Ronald Koeman.

The Dutch manager has found himself under scrutiny after leading Barca to a dreadful start this season.

The La Liga giants are said to be keeping tabs on names like Xavi, Erik Ten Hag and Andrea Pirlo in a bid to replace Koeman.

According to Catalunya Radio via Barca Blaugranes, the Catalan club have dropped their their interest in Martinez, as they cite him as not an ideal option for the job

The Spaniard recently spoke about the speculations regarding Barca, stating that anything could happen in future although he is focused on the national team job for the time being.

Martinez’s Belgium side were knocked out of the Nations League after the defeat against France in the semi-finals. The former Swansea gaffer is starting to feel more pressure due to the lack of trophies won under his reign.

Inaki Pena wants a loan move in January

Barcelona’s third-choice goalkeeper and the academy graduate, Inaki Pena, wants to move away from the Nou Camp in the January transfer window in search of regular game time.

Despite being a talented La Masia graduate, Pena has struggled for game time this season and is behind Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Neto in the pecking order of Koeman.

The 22-year-old had a chance to leave Barca in the summer transfer window but Ter Stegen’s injury at that time prevented his departure.

According to Diario Sport via Barca Blaugranes, Pena is keen on a loan move in the winter transfer window as he wants to have regular playing time.