Josep Maria Bartomeu: 'Marc-Andre ter Stegen key for Barcelona'

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has branded German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen "a fundamental piece of the furniture" at Camp Nou.

Ter Stegen, who only played in the Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, has been promoted to Barcelona's number one stopper this term after Claudio Bravo left for Manchester City.

It is understood that the Spanish giants are keen to tie the 24-year-old to a new long-term contract and Bartomeu has lavished praise on the former Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper.

"He is a fundamental piece of the furniture at Barcelona," Bartomeu told RAC1. "He is a mainstay of our team and our commitment to him is strong."

Jasper Cillessen will provide competition for Ter Stegen this season after joining from Ajax.