Barcelona have reportedly ended their pursuit of a new central defender following Matthijs de Ligt's decision to join Juventus.
The 19-year-old former Ajax captain was among Barcelona's top targets this summer, but the Italian champions beat off competition from some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure his signature in a deal worth almost £68m.
Marca reports that the Spanish giants have now decided to stick with the four centre-backs they currently have in their ranks rather than signing anyone new during the current transfer window.
The decision means that Barcelona will not be making a move for Manchester United's Victor Lindelof, with whom they had been linked while looking for cover for Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet.
The club do have lingering concerns over the fitness of rumoured Man Utd and Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti, who missed a large chunk of last season with a knee injury, but have decided against moving him on in the hope that he can rediscover the level of performance he displayed during his debut campaign at Camp Nou.
Umtiti's stay could also take another option off the table in Barcelona's bid to include players in any deal to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Ernesto Valverde is also confident that youngster Jean-Clair Todibo is good enough to act as the fourth centre-back in the squad and will therefore not look to strengthen any further in that area this summer.
Barney Corkhill
