Barcelona have identified River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo as first choice should Ernesto Valverde leave the club, say reports.
Diario AS cite reports from Argentine media outlet TNT Sports that the Coach – who led River Plate to the Copa Libertadores title in Madrid against fierce rivals Boca Juniors last year – would be first choice at the Camp Nou.
Valverde’s position has come under scrutiny in recent times, especially after their traumatic Champions League exit at Liverpool last season followed by the Copa del Rey final defeat against Valencia.
The Blaugrana have made a slow start to the season with just 13 points from their opening seven league matches, once again leading to speculation that a change in the dugout may be imminent.
Gallardo played in Europe for both Monaco and PSG in between playing spells at the Buenos Aires club and won 44 caps for the Argentine national side during his career.
He currently has a contract with River up until 2021.