Barcelona eye signings for centre-back spot

Barcelona have plans for the summer transfer window, including the signing of a promising youngster for the centre-back slot, one who could occupy the position for many years. ‘Mundo Deportivo’ says there is no clear target, but that the club are looking at several different options.

–John Stones: the club have been following him since 2014, and believe his prospects are good. However, Barça think the €53-million price tag Everton have put on the player is a little excessive. Chelsea and Real Madrid are also interested in him.

–Aymeric Laporte: some months ago, the English press reported that the Athletic Club centre-back had already sealed a deal to move to Barcelona for €45 million. However, his buy-out clause is €50 million and the Basque club insist that anyone interested must come up with that figure. Pep Guardiola has said he wants him for his new project at Manchester City.

–Marquinhos: can also play in the right-back position. He is not getting the playing time he wants at PSG, but club president Nasser Al Khelaifi does not want to let him go, apparently. Barça showed interest in him when he was at Roma and tried to sign him in the summer of 2014, by which time had already moved to the French club.

–José Giménez: Barcelona had been keeping tabs on the Atlético de Madrid player when he was still playing at youth level in Uruguay. There is one doubt about him, namely his ability to play the ball out from behind, a crucial characteristic for any centre-back at Barça.