Javier Mascherano looks to be on his way out of Barcelona, and the club are already busy searching for his potential replacement. Reports in Spain suggest Manchester United's versatile defender Daley Blind is one of the players on the club's shortlist.
With Mascherano's future almost certainly lying away from Barcelona, according to 'Marca', the Catalan giants have identified two Dutch players they are considering to replace him: Daley Blind from United and Lazio's Stefan de Vrij.
At the moment, it is thought the De Vrij is the more likely candidate, with his contract at Lazio expiring in June, meaning he could be available on a cheap deal in the upcoming January transfer window.
However, Ernesto Valverde's side are likely to face competition from a number of other top clubs who are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old, including Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus.
The aforementioned Spanish publication reports that Blind is another Dutch name on Barcelona's shortlist. United have the option to extend his contract past its summer expiry date but the 27-year-old is somewhat out of favour with Jose Mourinho this campaign, and so he could look for a move in January.
His versatility across the defence and midfield is something which appeals to Barcelona and they took an interest in the former Ajax man once before back in 2014, but there is a fear that his best form is now behind him.