By Tim Stannard

Koeman set to miss out on Depay as time runs out for cash-strapped Barca to buy Lyon's Dutch forward

If Ronald Koeman is going to be given the number one choice from his Barcelona wish list, then it needs to happen in the next three days. 

Yes, it's Depay-nal Countdown at the Camp Nou. 

Koeman's top wish list pick is the arrival of Lyon and Netherlands forward Memphis Depay who was hot property in the transfer rumor mill during Koeman's arrival at Camp Nou. However, the stories have since gone dry - ostensibly because Barcelona's bank account has gone dry as well, according to the talkative president of the Ligue 1 club, Jean-Michel Aulas. 

"I spoke with President Bartomeu twice on the phone, who I know well," recalled Aulas, "Barto is a friend, who said to me that they absolutely don’t have the funds."

Although the transfer window in the European clubs closes on Monday October 5, the Lyon chief has said that his own deadline is a little sooner - "from Friday, the players that haven't left already will not be leaving."

However, L'Equipe is reporting that Lyon need to bring in around $100 million in the current transfer market and half of that target is missing. While Houssem Aouar is expected to go to Arsenal, a hard-balling Barcelona might still be able to bring in a bargain Depay. 

Then again, four goals from Sunday's comprehensive win against Villarreal might also convince Bartomeu that the purchase of another forward is not a priority. 

Barcelona is back in action on Thursday against Celta Vigo with coverage beginning at 3:20PM ET. 

Real Madrid expected to ditch Jovic 

Strikers leaving Real Madrid is the talk of the town in the Spanish capital ahead of the club's next LaLiga clash against Valladolid on Wednesday. 

Luka Jovic and Borja Mayoral both featured in Saturday's win against Real Betis but both are expected to be moved out on loan by the end of the week, as Coach Zizou pivots back to the two Brazilians of Vinicius and Rodrygo and the vain hope that Eden Hazard is fit enough to play soccer at some point. 

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid is so content with the purchase of Luis Suarez from Barcelona that it might well take up a BOGO offer on Uruguayan strikers in their thirties and bring in Edinson Cavani as well. The former PSG man is currently out of contract and has been linked with a move to the Wanda all summer. 

Betis looks to hold top of table in Tuesday's Getafe clash 

The midweek round of action in LaLiga gets underway on Tuesday at 12:50PM ET with three of the current top five in action. 

Real Sociedad is hosting Valencia, whose coach, Javi Gracia, still appears to be feuding with the club's owner and president over a lack of transfer activity this summer. "I'm out on the margins," admitted Gracia in terms of transfer talks. 

Meanwhile David Silva is expected to get another start in La Real's midfield. 

Despite losing to Real Madrid in controversial circumstances due to an iffy penalty on Saturday, Betis is still at the top of the table and looking feisty and fit under Manuel Pellegrini. That lead can be maintained potentially for another round with three points at Getafe, which is never an easy task. Getafe vs. Betis gets underway from 3:20PM ET. 

But the fun doesn't stop there on beIN SPORTS as Match Day 5 gets underway in the Copa Libertadores. All six games are across the beIN network including Boca Juniors hosting Libertad and looking to clinch a spot in the next round, while Penarol takes on Colo Colo looking to avoid elimination.