Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez says it is a "real possibility" that Spain attacker Nolito will return to the Camp Nou from Celta Vigo during the January transfer window.
Former Barca-B starlet Nolito has been regularly linked with a move to Barca as he has impressed for Celta in La Liga in recent months, especially as youngsters Munir El-Haddadi and Sandro Rodriguez have struggled to shine during Lionel Messi's current injury absence.
Reports have claimed that the Catalan club have some money to spend, however it is unclear if they will stretch to pay the €18 million release clause in Nolito's current Celta contract.
The Andalucian himself has regularly spoken about the chance to return to play under his former Barca B and Celta coach Luis Enrique, while also being keen to point out he would also be happy to stay in Vigo if that's how things work out.
Asked by RAC 1, in quotes reported by Marca, about his plans for January, the Blaugrana transfer chief said that in-form player was one of the options Barca were considering at present.
"That is a real possibility," Fernandez said. "We know the situation of the player, but there are many other options. I am not going to speak about Nolito as a player. He is a good player, in a sweet moment of form and with the national team, which is always something significant."
Fernandez said he talked regularly with Barca first team coach Luis Enrique, but denied there had been special conversations about Nolito or other particular targets.
"We are working on the idea of signing in the winter window," he said. "I speak with Luis Enrique every day. I could not say we have met to discuss this, as we talk every day about everything."
Barca may lack numbers in attack currently, but Neymar has covered for Messi's absence superbly, with the Brazilian scoring 10 goals and making six assists in the 10 La Liga and Champions League games since the Blaugrana talisman was injured in late September.
Speaking days after Neymar's extraordinary second goal in Sunday's 3-0 home win over Villarreal, Fernandez said that the 23-year-old had now moved past Real Madrid galactico Cristiano Ronaldo to sit right behind number one Messi on the list of the world's best players.
"[Neymar] is the second best player in the world," he said. "He is a player with extraordinary ability, with magic and special talent, who scores goals. He will be important for the club. Cristiano is also a magnificent player, but I would choose Neymar."
Amid potential interest in Neymar from Manchester United and elsewhere, Fernandez said he was sure that when the time was right the former Santos starlet would extend his current Barca contract.
"I have no doubt that he will sign a new contract," he said. "The moment will come when we will sit down, we will talk and we will look for a solution. He is happy here and is performing well."