Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has emerged as a prime target for Barcelona, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The Catalan giants are looking to strengthen their backline after failing with attempts to lure Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Silva to the Nou Camp.
The 25-year-old has reportedly been valued at £30million by Bayern, who will no doubt want to keep the World Cup winner.
Marca also report that an interest from Real Madrid is forcing Barca's hand in a move that could even by complete by the end of the week.
The German World Cup winner, whose career has gone from strength-to-strength after he left Manchester City in 2011, is earmarked as the man to partner Gerard Pique during Luis Enrique’s debut season as ‘Blaugrana’ boss.
However, Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has responded by indicating Boateng will be at the German club next season. “I do not know what the media say, I only know that Jerome Boateng will be a Bayern player next season, 100 per cent," said the manager.
The arrival at Nou Camp of Jeremy Mathieu will galvanise Barca’s defence, but the former Valencia player doesn't offer the consistent quality needed to challenge across all fronts. A gap remains where Carles Puyol used to stand, meaning Enrique will want to tighten his back line with a handful of signings, not place all of the pressure on one individual.
Boateng’s size, pace and versatility makes him an extremely attractive prospect, despite Guardiola's willingness to keep the player.
The 25-year-old possesses the athletic ability needed to make up for errors in judgement and is sharp enough to regularly cut out danger before any lasting damage takes effect. Vitally, Boateng likes to play the ball and is someone who can start Barca'’s passing moves from the back.
His appearance alongside Pique would lessen the pressure on the Spaniard. Pique appears to have lost a yard of pace in recent times and is regularly caught out when high balls float over the top. As such, he could use the presence of Boateng, who can act as a sweeper type.
The Bayern star is also useful in either full-back position and would force all Barca defenders to up their game in fear of losing their starting place.
