Barcelona are aiming to sign Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka in a cut-price deal in January, say reports in Spain.
The 22-year-old’s contract in Gelsenkirchen expires in June 2018 and Bayern Munich have been heavily linked with signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, Schalke are said to be open to the idea of cashing in on the German international early with the added benefit of him not joining a Bundesliga rival, report El Mundo Deportivo.
The report continues that Barca would be willing to offer out-of-favour midfielders Arda Turan, Rafinha or Andre Gomes as added leverage in any deal.
Schalke bought Goretzka from VfL Bochum in 2013 for €3.25m (£2.9m) and the current price-tag is over €25m (£22.3m).
Last season he contributed eight goals and six assists in 41 competitive games for Schalke.
Italian duo Juventus and Milan have also been linked with Goretzka, who plays primarily as a central midfielder.
