Four Premier League defenders on Barcelona shortlist

David Lynch

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona are looking to the Premier League as they step up plans to sign a defender in the January transfer window.

Ronald Koeman is keen to strengthen at centre-back at the turn of the year, with Manchester City’s Eric Garcia his number one priority.

The Spaniard recently revealed that he has no intention of signing an extension to a contract that expires at the end of the season.

And, though Pep Guardiola has not given up all hope of keeping his compatriot, a return to Barcelona looks likeliest – perhaps in January for a cut-price fee.

READ MORE:

• Tottenham statement fuels Kane departure talk as Man Utd and Chelsea circle

Should that transfer fail to materialise, Koeman has reportedly identified three other defenders currently plying their trade in the English top-flight as alternatives.

Antonio Rudiger is one of them, the Chelsea centre-back having started just once this season after failing to secure a summer move away from Stamford Bridge.

Joel Matip is another, though Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis makes the chances of him departing appear slim.

And the list is rounded off by Shkodran Mustafi, who has been limited to Europa League appearances this term after falling out of favour at Arsenal.