Barcelona have identified Netherlands and Ajax defender Daley Blind as their alternative to Valencia’s Jeremy Mathieu, reports in Spain say.
Mundo Deportivo claim Barca are looking at other options as Mathieu’s move from Los Che is no closer to completion, with Valencia determined to force Barca to trigger the defender’s release clause.
Blind has become the preferred plan B of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta due to his versatility. The 24-year-old can play in the centre of defence, as a left-back, or in midfield.
Other candidates, such as Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, Tottenham Hotspur’s Jan Vertonghen or Fabian Schar of Basel are more limited.
But there is also said to be interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Dortmund in Blind, who could be available for €22m, only €2m more than Mathieu.
Blind is also considerably younger than Mathieu, who turns 31 in October.
Marquinhos also remains a defensive target for Barcelona, MD add.
