Barcelona have identified Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup as an option for next season.
The news comes amid reports that the LaLiga side are close to giving up on Marcus Rashford.
Barca had a €30million purchase option on their deal with Manchester United, a fee that looked a certainty given his form in the first half of the season.
However, sporting director Deco wisely opted to wait, and Rashford’s recent performances have dwindled.
So much so that Hansi Flick asked for more from the Englishman, recently saying: “I think he has much more potential to show.
“With his speed and technique, he can give us much more. I’m delighted with Rashford, but he has much more potential.
“I want everyone to give their best. This is about mentality, attitude during training… That’s what we want to see. Always striving to be better.”
As such, Barca have been eyeing cheap alternatives for the wing.
Former youth players Jan Virgili and Abde Ezzalzouli both have buy-back options and are impressing on loan in LaLiga.
Meanwhile, A Bola and Marca add that scouts have been to watch Benfica’s Schjelderup.
The Norwegian fell out of favour at the start of Jose Mourinho’s time at the club, but rose to prominence with two goals against Real Madrid.
It was reported at the time that Mourinho blocked offers from Club Brugge and Real Mallorca for the winger as he was desperate to keep him.
Commenting at the time, Mourinho said: “There’s a lot of talk about him, but he’s played all four of the last matches.
“I believe this Andreas is better than I expected. He’s more like what I’m looking for, and not everyone can play.
“This is a guy who still has a long way to go. It’s one thing to be for sale, but another to get offers for him.
“You don’t get to the World Cup by going to a weaker league and a weaker team. If his goal is to get to the World Cup, it’s with matches like these.”
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