Manchester United Star Added To Barcelona's Five-Man Shortlist As Xavi Aims To Strengthen Weakened Position
Barcelona boss Xavi is keen to provide a fresh challenge to an ageing Jordi Alba, with Alex Telles one of five names considered by the club.
Manchester United star Alex Telles has been added to Barcelona’s five-man shortlist as the club ramp up their efforts to sign a new left-back, according to reports in Spain.
The 29-year-old Brazilian defender arrived at Old Trafford in 2020 from Porto in a deal worth up to £15.4m, with Telles under contract until 2024.
However, Telles found his opportunities limited under former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has been battling for minutes against Luke Shaw.
The ex-Porto left-back has been playing more regular first-team football under Ralf Rangnick, with the interim United manager rotating between Telles and Shaw.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are weighing up a potential move for Telles.
The Spanish newspaper reports that the La Liga club want to secure a backup option for first-choice left-back Jordi Alba, who turns 33 in March.
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Telles is only one of five names on Barcelona’s shortlist, with Juventus’ Alex Sandro, Ajax’s Nicolas Tagiafico, Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro all considered as potential targets.
Alba, whose Barcelona deal expires in 2024, has made 14 La Liga starts for his side and registered four assists in the league this season.
Sergino Dest, Eric Garcia, Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo have provided cover at left-back, but it is believed that Xavi wants a new full-back to challenge Alba for a place in the starting XI.
Diario AS claims that Barcelona could attempt to sign a left-back in the January window ahead of the club pushing for a top-four finish this season.
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Valencia captain Jose Gaya had been linked with Barcelona, but it has been reported that the La Liga club would be unlikely to sanction a loan move in January.
Barcelona are sixth in La Liga and are one point adrift from defending Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, who are currently fourth in the table.
However, Xavi’s men are a whopping 17 points adrift from fierce rivals and league leaders Real Madrid.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Alex Telles, Barcelona, La Liga, Manchester United, Spain, England, Premier League, Football
Adnan Riaz