Barcelona are considering making a move for RCD Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo, as a low-cost alternative to transfer target Joao Cancelo.
Xavi reportedly wants Cancelo as his main target, as a versatile, attacking right-back who could help replace Ousmane Dembele, but given the financial troubles at the club right now, a deal could be hard to do.
AS have now reported that Maffeo, 26, is being eyed by Barcelona as a low-cost alternative to Cancelo. Maffeo has bags of experience in La Liga with Girona, Mallorca and Huesca, and a deal could be done for less than €8m (£6.9m).
The club are desperate for a new right-back, with neither Sergi Roberto or Sergino Dest up to scratch as a natural option, whilst both Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde are both more comfortable in the centre.
Would Maffeo be a good signing?
It is still unclear what type of right-back Barcelona actually want to sign. The links to Cancelo, as well as Maffeo, Ivan Fresneda and Juan Foyth are not consistent with each other; Cancelo is a very attacking option whilst the others are more defence-minded.
With Alejandro Balde as a very attacking option at left-back, a more defensive right-back could be ideal for the current system, but the loss of Dembele means that Xavi might want an attacking option like Cancelo to essentially operate as another winger from the position.
Maffeo may be a solid addition, but an underwhelming one in comparison to Cancelo. He is defensively adept, but offers little going forward, and Barcelona have had their fair share of cheaper alternatives in the position.
The likes of Douglas, Hector Bellerin and Dest have all arrived and disappointed, and fans may want to see a premium, high level option in Cancelo arrive instead of Maffeo.