Barcelona shortlist O’Shea and Azpilicueta as Alves backup

Barcelona shortlist O’Shea and Azpilicueta as Alves backup

Catalan sports paper ‘Sport’ report that Barcelona have shortlisted Manchester United defender John O’Shea (28) and Osasuna right full back Cesar Azpilicueta (20) as their summer transfer targets.

The European champions are reportedly searching for two types of additions to their squad. They are keen to add another creative dimension and in addition to the ubiquitous mention of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, Franck Ribery and David Silva are highlighted as likely targets.

‘Sport’ also claims that the Catalans are looking to bring in another right-sided defender, especially with Brazilian Dani Alves currently their only real option in that position. In addition to Osasuna’s 20 year-old Cesar Azpilicueta, Manchester United ‘s John O’Shea is said to be a target to fill the gap.

‘Sport’ speculates that O’Shea’s experience and versatility make him an attractive proposition for Barcelona. The 28 year-old has spent his entire career so far at Old Trafford. However, O’Shea has been injured ever since Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat against France with a mystery leg injury. He is unlikely to play for Manchester United again this season.

Azpilicueta who is also an U-21 international with Spain is considered one of the upcoming talents of Spanish football and has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City in the past.

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There are 16 comments for this post

  1. KnivesOut says:

    O'Shea is a bit old, we don't need him. Azpilicueta on the other hand seems to be an exciting prospect. Remains to be seen however if Barca approach him.

  2. Ibracadabra says:

    O'Shea is a bits and pieces player and can play in a lotta positions like rb/cb/CDM etc….
    BUT, frankly he's not very good at any of those positions IMO……..

    • chazan says:

      I agree with you. He is very versatile but he isn't really good at any of his positions. I would prefer the African guy. Azpilicueta is young and good, if he comes that would mean no chance for youth until Alves leaves or retires.

  3. harshawardhan says:

    azpilicueta is good as a backup and he will be amazing in a couple of years.. but then what of montoya and dalmau?

  4. crayven says:

    O'Shit lol. Txiki oh Txiki you can't be serious.

  5. Blaugrana says:

    Azpilicueta would be great as a backup for Alves, but that will mean Dalmau's and Montoya's chances are slim.

  6. hawk_barca_4_life says:

    since we have dalmau, montoya and batra who can play there and are our major future prospects and pyuol can also cover for Rb when required so i think its best we look for sme back up player who will accept bench and also wont stay with us for long
    so u agree it or not oshea suits that type of requirement !!

  7. I'm with you guys. Stick with Dalmau and Montoya.

  8. Mido_cule says:

    The only rightback I would love to see is Gregory Van Der Wiel,just like only Cesc for CMF.anyother rightback No.

  9. BArca fan says:

    Oshea???? lol lol

  10. moh_bojan says:

    i prefer bartra, really he is a new alves!!! common why to pay money, bring from barca athletic

  11. barcayute says:

    we av youth no need 2 buy a ryt bk muniesa, barta ,montoya ,dalmau

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