Inter Milan have reportedly failed with an attempt to loan Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
The left-back is one of the club's longest-serving players with 421 appearances having been made in all competitions over the past decade.
However, with the Spain international due to turn 34 years of age in March, there has been scope for head coach Xavi making changes in that area of the pitch.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea's Marcos Alonso all summer and that transfer is expected to go through on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Alex Balde is now being provided with more senior opportunities, a sign that the teenager may be Xavi's preferred backup this campaign.
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Furthermore, Barcelona's financial situation means that they cannot realistically afford to have three left-backs on their books, and that has seemingly not gone unnoticed by other clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, Inter have made an effort to try to secure the services of Alba on a temporary basis.
Robin Gosens, at one stage, allegedly looked likely to leave San Siro, resulting in the Serie A outfit needing to find an alternative to the Germany international.
However, the 28-year-old is now expected to stay at Inter, partly as a result of Inter having no joy with a reported approach for Alba.
The player is said to have no desire to leave Barcelona or move to Italy, resulting in a quick end to any discussions regarding a deal.
Darren Plant
