For €20 million: FC Barcelona reportedly eye teenager after Tah’s rejection

FC Barcelona reportedly want to strengthen their squad with FC Twente centre-back Ruud Nijstad as early as this winter.

Spanish sports newspaper Sport reports that the Catalans want another attempt to sign the 18-year-old after failing last summer. Twente sporting director Erik ten Hag, a former Manchester United manager, recently confirmed the initial contact.

Hansi Flick plans to use Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde at right-back, leaving Barca with a place to fill in central defence, according to the report. The coach wants another option alongside Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Andreas Christensen. Nijstad's age, physical attributes and ability to build play make him a particularly attractive option for Barca.

A report by Sky says Bayern Munich's Jonathan Tah was also briefly an option. The Catalans enquired about a winter move for the Germany international, whose starting place alongside Dayot Upamecano is no longer secure amid competition from Min-jae Kim at Bayern. Tah and Bayern Munich both immediately rejected the idea, putting Nijstad back at the top of the wish list.

Nijstad came through Twente's youth system and, at 18, has already made 32 top-flight appearances for the Enschede club. His contract runs until 2029, and the report says Twente are asking for a transfer fee of 20 million euros. Nijstad is currently with the Netherlands U21 national team for the first time. Coached by former Barca player Michael Reiziger, they will face Denmark in the play-offs for European Championship qualification.