Barcelona have reportedly identified Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara as a potential summer signing.
As a result of the financial issues at the Catalan giants, they are having to take a forensic approach when it comes to acquire fresh faces for Xavi's first-team squad.
Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan have both departed Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City on free transfers to make the switch to Camp Nou.
Nevertheless, it is known that the La Liga champions are in the hunt for a second new midfielder, preferably for a cut-price fee.
Recently, Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu - a former Barcelona academy graduate - has been heavily linked with a return to the club courtesy of his relatively low release clause.
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Xavi is said to have already held discussions with the ex-Southampton man, and it appeared that a transfer would likely go through later in the summer.
However, according to Sport, Thiago has emerged as a realistic alternative to Romeu in recent days.
The 32-year-old has made a total of 97 appearances across his three years at Anfield, but he missed the majority of the second half of last season due to injury.
During that time, Liverpool put together their best form of the campaign, while Jurgen Klopp has already moved to add Alexis Mac Allister to his central midfield contingent.
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At a time when Jordan Henderson seems likely to move to Saudi Arabia, there is a scenario where the Merseyside giants retain the services of Thiago in order to keep some continuity.
Nevertheless, with less than a year remaining on his contract and little prospect of a renewal, an exit for the right price remains a distinct possibility.
Xavi is allegedly attracted by Thiago's versatility in the centre of the pitch and his acquisition would finalise Barcelona's options in that area.
While Galatasaray are also said to be keen on the Spain international, it is unclear whether the presence of Barcelona will ultimately lead to a return to Catalonia where 101 appearances were made before his switch to Bayern Munich in 2013.
Darren Plant
