Villarreal turn down Barcelona’s approach for 25-year-old defender | OneFootball

Barcelona are ramping up their search for a new left-back after Jordi Alba’s recent displays have left a lot to be desired.

Xavi Hernandez has no reliable backup in the position to call upon after the club decided to sell Junior Firpo in the summer. Youngster Alejandro Balde is an option for the manager but lacks the experience and the exposure to be called upon week in week out.

As a result, Xavi has requested the Barça management to bring in a left-sided full-back before the January transfer window closes, along with a new striker.

And, the Blaugrana are looking at options in the market, with Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza emerging as a target. As per a report from MARCA, the Catalan heavyweights have made an approach to the Yellow Submarine to assess the possibility of a move for the 25-year-old.

Pedraza has proven himself to be a reliable customer at left-back over the past couple of years. But, he has had to share game-time with the likes of Alberto Moreno and Pervis Estupinan this term, which led to doubts over his future at El Madrigal.

However, in light of recent injury problems, the Spaniard has been a regular in Unai Emery’s side, racking up 22 appearances across all competitions, in which he has six assists. And, that is why Villarreal have turned down Barça’s approach for the 25-year-old left-back in the ongoing window.

The report also adds that the Yellow Submarine also rejected a formal offer from Serie A giants Napoli, apart from Barcelona’s enquiry, indicating that they are unlikely to waver from their stance as things stand.

It could lead to the Blaugrana looking at other options, with AFC Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico emerging as a loan target, although roadblocks are expected in pursuit of the Argentine international as well.