Barcelona negotiations for Rodrigo 'open', says Valencia boss Celades

Albert Celades acknowledges Barcelona wants to sign Rodrigo Moreno because he is a "player who can make the difference".

Rodrigo Moreno's arrival would give Barcelona cover for Luis Suarez, who is expected to be out of action for four months with a knee injury.

Valencia coach Albert Celades has conceded negotiations for Rodrigo Moreno's transfer to Barcelona are "open".

Rodrigo returned from injury on Saturday as Valencia beat Barca 2-0 at the Mestalla, handing Quique Setien his first defeat since replacing Ernesto Valverde.

While the Spain international missed training on Monday to have a check-up on his knee in Barcelona, a move to the reigning La Liga champion appears to be on the cards for the Brazilian-born forward.

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"Rodrigo is a player who can make the difference, that's why Barcelona want him," Celades told a media conference ahead of Valencia's Copa del Rey clash with Cultural Leonesa.

"The negotiation is open and we will not hide.

"Rodrigo and I have talked. I can't make a private conversation public."

The arrival of Rodrigo would give Barca cover for Luis Suarez, who is expected to be out of action for four months with a knee injury.

Barcelona is three points adrift of leader Real Madrid following the loss to Valencia; Setien's men host Leganes in the Copa del Rey on Thursday before welcoming Levante to Camp Nou in the league on Sunday.