Barcelona ready to rival Liverpool for right-back target | OneFootball

Barcelona are ready to rival Liverpool in the race to sign Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu this summer.

Liverpool are understood to have shortlisted Ratiu as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The latter is out of contract at Anfield in the summer and expected to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Arne Slot has Conor Bradley in his ranks as a natural successor but Liverpool are likely to enter the market for another right-back option to compete with the 22-year-old.

Ratiu has caught the eye of the Reds’ recruitment team after impressing in La Liga this season. The Romania international has two goals and three assists for the Spanish side this season and leads all La Liga full-backs for successful take-ons per 90. Manchester City have also been credited as admirers of Ratiu, who has a €25m release clause in his deal.

However, Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Barcelona are also interested in a deal for the 26-year-old. The Catalans want to bring in a right-back to allow Jules Kounde to return to his favoured role in central defence.

Barcelona have created a three-player shortlist, that also includes AS Monaco’s Vanderson and Borussia Dortmund’s Yan Couto. The latter is currently on loan at the German side from Manchester City.

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