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Barcelona ‘are considering a move for ex-Spurs defender Juan Foyth’

Barcelona are considering a surprise move for former Tottenham defender Juan Foyth, as they look to strengthen their right-back spot.

The Catalan club were pursuing Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, but that came to an end after the Spaniard signed a two-year extension in London, leaving Xavi‘s side to look elsewhere.

Signed initially as a central defender, Foyth’s impressive performances at full-back have put some of Villarreal’s biggest league rivals on red alert this summer.  

Barcelona are considering a move for Villareal defender Juan Foyth before the window closes

Barcelona are considering a move for Villareal defender Juan Foyth before the window closes

Xavi's side are looking to strengthen at right-back after missing out on Cesar Azpilicueta

Xavi’s side are looking to strengthen at right-back after missing out on Cesar Azpilicueta

According to Mundo Deportivo, Claudio Curti – Foyth’s agent – was seen leaving Barcelona’s training ground after meeting with Mateu Alemany on Tuesday.

Villareal would not make any deal easy for Xavi’s side, with the 24-year-old only allowed to leave if they meet his €42million (£35million) release clause set in his contract.

The Yellow Submarine could be in for a healthy amount of profit, having only signed the Argentine for £15million last summer – after he spent the  second-half of the 2020-21 season on loan at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Foyth made 30 appearances in all competitions for Spurs before being sold to Spain last year

Foyth made 30 appearances in all competitions for Spurs before being sold to Spain last year

Cesar Azpilicueta signed a two-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge last week

Cesar Azpilicueta signed a two-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge last week 

Under Unai Emery, Foyth has transformed from a central defender to a marauding full-back and he now plays a similar role for Argentina. 

He began receiving plaudits for his full-back performances after facing Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final last season. Though the Reds won 5-2 on aggregate, Foyth impressed with aggressive style of defending.

He spent three seasons in north London prior to his move to Spain, but failed to solidify a spot in the first-team and ultimately was shipped abroad by Jose Mourinho. 

The Argentine battles with Mo Salah during their Champions League semi-final defeat in May

The Argentine battles with Mo Salah during their Champions League semi-final defeat in May

Along with Foyth, the Catalan side are also monitoring Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso as they look to strengthen either side of their defence.

Though Alonso is pushing for a move, the defender’s future potentially relies on the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – who the Blues are hoping to sign this summer.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have tried to use Alonso to sweeten the deal and attempt to lure Aubameyang back to London this summer.