Barcelona have reportedly identified Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno as a potential alternative to Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski this summer.
The Catalan giants have been strongly linked with a move for Lewandowski, who has publicly expressed his desire to leave the Bundesliga champions and move to Camp Nou.
Barca are keen to recruit the 33-year-old, who has just a year remaining on his contract, but Bayern are hoping to keep hold of their talisman for the 2022-23 campaign.
Should Xavi's side fail to sign Lewandowski this summer, Sport reports that they will consider making a move for 30-year-old Moreno, who could be available for around £34m even though he possesses an £85m release clause in his contract.
The report adds that Barcelona want to recruit a top-quality striker and Xavi believes that the Villarreal marksman – who has scored 94 goals in 211 games for the Yellow Submarine – meets his 'sporting requirements' and would fit into his first-team plans.
Barca could, however, face competition from Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid for the signature of Moreno, with Diego Simeone's side looking to replace soon-to-be free agent Luis Suarez.
Oliver Thomas
