Barcelona scout Ariedo Braida has revealed that the club have pulled out of the race to sign Leon Goretzka from Schalke 04 next summer.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs having helped Germany to the Confederations Cup title during the summer, with his current deal at Schalke due to expire at the end of the season.
Barca, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are amongst those credited with an interest in the midfielder, but Braida does not believe that the Germany international is Barcelona quality just yet.
"He is certainly a great player, but for Barcelona it is too soon. I travel around the world in search of great talent, but our demands are extremely high," Braida is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
Goretzka has scored two goals in seven Bundesliga appearances for Schalke this season and four times for the German national team since June.
Barney Corkhill
