Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte.
The Catalan giants have been strongly linked with Sevilla's Jules Kounde in recent weeks, but Chelsea now appear to be at the head of the queue for the Frenchman.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are putting a plan in place in the event that they miss out on Kounde, with Laporte identified by Xavi's side as a possible target.
The Spain international started his professional career with Athletic Bilbao, representing the Basque outfit's first team on 222 occasions between 2012 and 2018 before making the move to Man City.
The 28-year-old has made 155 appearances for the Citizens during his time at the club, winning four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three EFL Cups during a highly-successful period.
© Reuters
Laporte was again a vital player for Pep Guardiola's side during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring four times in 44 appearances in all competitions.
The defender still has another three years left to run on his contract at Etihad Stadium, but there has been speculation surrounding his future this summer, with Chelsea also believed to have shown an interest.
Laporte recently said that he has no intention of leaving Man City in the current market despite the growing speculation.
"Four league trophies, yes, but that's eleven in all. It's not just the Premier League. It's very good for the club and for me. I'm happy to benefit people here too by bringing the Premier League trophy. It had never happened," the centre-back told RMC Sport.
"So I'm super happy with this season that I've had, despite an injury at the end of the season. I was able to hold on until the end. Yes [I am staying this season], I'm super happy and fit. The team too. There remains only the common objective, the Champions League, but we will do everything to get it this year."
© Reuters
Barcelona have already signed a new centre-back this summer, bringing in Andreas Christensen on a free transfer from Chelsea, while Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia will be options next season.
However, Samuel Umtiti and Oscar Mingueza could both depart before the end of the transfer window, which would potentially open up space for the Catalan side to acquire another defender.
Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta is thought to be closing in on a move to Camp Nou, although it is believed that Barcelona head coach Xavi views him as a full-back rather than a centre-back.
Man City will be reluctant to lose Laporte due to his importance to the side, with the Spain international forming a strong partnership with Ruben Dias for the majority of last season, which saw John Stones only feature on 14 occasions in the Premier League, although the Englishman did have his fitness problems.
Laporte has not travelled with the Citizens squad to North America for their pre-season tour due to an injury problem.
Matt Law
