Barcelona have reportedly drawn up a three-man shortlist as they look for cover at left-back.
The Catalan giants have relied heavily on Jordi Alba in recent times and are said to have made bringing in a left-sided player one of their top priorities for the summer.
Alba has appeared in all 22 of Barca's La Liga matches this term, starting all but two of those, and was also used in five of their six Champions League group matches.
After being ruled out by suspension, however, the champions' lack of options in that troublesome position has become clear, and Mundo Deportivo reports that a new player will be brought in over the next six months.
Lyon's Ferland Mendy, Filipe Luis of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis ace Junior Firpo are rumoured to be the trio of players being tracked by Ernesto Valverde's side.
Mendy in particular has caught the eye of sporting director Eric Abidal, it is claimed, and the 23-year-old is the club's preferred option.
Barcelona are also said to have concerns over Alba's contract situation, as he is due to be out of contract at the end of next season and is not close to renewing.
Daniel Lewis
