Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Jesus Navas and Antonio Candreva Rumours

Barcelona are searching for a replacement for Pedro following his move to Chelsea, and according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (via Anthony Jepson of the Manchester Evening News), they have reportedly identified several targets, including Manchester City's Jesus Navas and Lazio's Antonio Candreva.

FourFourTwo's Chris Flanagan and the Manchester Evening News' Stuart Brennan note that Navas' position in City's starting lineup is now under threat from Kevin De Bruyne, who will surely claim the Spaniard's starting berth, as David Silva and Raheem Sterling have looked far more dangerous behind Sergio Aguero.

Indeed, in the match Flanagan and Brennan referred to, the 29-year-old did little of note and was hauled off for Samir Nasri at half-time.

The winger is far from being able to replicate Pedro's goal contribution—he scored just once in 47 appearances for the Sky Blues last season—though he showed he is similarly creative to the former Blaugrana man, as he racked up 11 assists in all competitions.

According to Squawka, Navas created an incredible 79 chances in the Premier League last term, bettered only by five players, including Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and team-mate Silva. Further, Squawka report Navas successfully completed an impressive 74 per cent of his attempted take-ons.

Candreva would arguably be an even better replacement for Pedro.

The Italian international hit 11 goals and laid on 15 assists in all competitions for Lazio last year, and according to Squawka, only Carlos Tevez outperformed the winger overall in Serie A and no other midfielder outscored the 28-year-old.

BeIN Sports' Matteo Bonetti highlights some of the winger's strengths:

Per Jepson, Mundo Deportivo's report also notes Real Sociedad's Carlos Vela and Celta Vigo's Nolito as being "on the Catalan club's radar."

Here are the four players' key stats from all competitions last season, along with Pedro's for Barca:

Barcelona would undoubtedly be a tempting prospect for any of the four, despite the restrictions on playing time that inevitably comes from competing with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Navas' situation at the Etihad makes him one of the most likely to agree to a move, though Nolito has publicly stated his willingness to sign with his former club.

According to Carlos I. Castrillon of Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo (via Goal.com's Alec Fenn), the 28-year-old admitted he would be open to a return to the Camp Nou but clarified that so far, an offer has not been made: "I never had the option of moving to Barcelona. When people say so many things and they assumed I was going to Barcelona, ​​I had to go out and talk. Neither my agent, me or anyone at Celta called. I said if the club came to get me, I would go."

The Catalan giants are likely to be fairly active in January at the conclusion of their transfer ban as they seek to replenish their thin squad.

Navas or Nolito seem like the most likely options, but don't rule out a move for Candreva or Vela thanks to Barca's incredible pulling power.