Barcelona Transfer News: Ezequiel Lavezzi Deal Ruined by FIFA Ban

Barcelona losing its appeal against a global transfer ban for 2015 means Lionel Messi won't get his wish of welcoming fellow countryman Ezequiel Lavezzi to the Camp Nou during the January transfer window.

Lavezzi has played alongside Messi for Argentina, and the latter had reportedly been pushing for Barca to sign the 29-year-old. That's according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com reporter David Amoyal.

He's stated that not only is Lavezzi available this winter, but that the one-time Napoli star had even made contact with Barca regarding a move:

Lavezzi appears on his way out of PSG after failing to show up for the team's retreat in Morocco. The Argentine winger is looking for a new team during the January transfer window, one option however won't be Barcelona. The Spanish club had tried to secretly sign Lavezzi and they used Messi as the intermediary

However, the dismissal of Barcelona's appeal against its transfer ban has ended this particular rumour. The ban, incurred due to issues regarding the acquisition and training of underage players, prohibits Barca from signing any new players during the next calendar year.

The La Liga giants made one last appeal to football's ultimate governing body to have the ban overturned. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport waved away the claim, per Spanish publication AS, which also provided a brief statement on the ruling:

Yet Barca needn't get too downhearted about missing out on Lavezzi. In fact, there are conflicting reports about whether or not the current Paris Saint-Germain flop was ever even available in the first place.

France-based journalist Jonathan Johnson claims no exit in January has been sanctioned by the Ligue 1 giants, nor is it likely to be:

Even if Lavezzi were available, you could have serious questions about whether Barca even need him. Certainly, manager Luis Enrique's squad is more than well-stocked in forward areas.

The front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. should be the envy of every major club in world football. Admittedly, that trio has yet to hit the heights its phenomenal talents demand. However, it would take a brave fan to bet against this three-pronged attack eventually firing on all cylinders.

As if the embarrassment of riches in the starting 11 isn't enough, Enrique can also call on plenty of talent in reserve. Pedro is still available and hasn't lost his knack for converting chances.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder has found the net 11 times in La Liga and Copa del Rey action this season, per ESPN FC. Barca also possess one of Europe's most exciting young stars in versatile forward Munir El Haddadi.

Both Pedro and Munir had been linked with moves away this winter. The latter had been linked with a loan switch to Arsenal or Chelsea, per Daily Express reporter David Wright. Meanwhile, Pedro had emerged as a target for hated rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, according to Talk Sport.

But with the ban upheld, it's unlikely Barca would sanction a winter exit for either player. Yet even before the CAS spoke, it's difficult to believe room would've been made for Lavezzi, despite his experience and versatility.

That has to rate as a blow for Lavezzi, whose career has hit the wall in the French capital. He's made just 12 starts in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com.

Now Lavezzi must either engineer a move elsewhere or make one final attempt to revive his career in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Enrique and Barca have no choice but to focus on their existing resources to help deliver a successful season.