Barca 'tracking Villarreal midfielder Baena as back-up option to Gundogan'

Barcelona have identified Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena as an alternative to Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan if the German decides against a move to the club.

Gundogan is yet to settle on his immediate future, with Barcelona wanting to lure him to Spain and Manchester City hoping to tie the midfielder down to a new deal.

Earlier reports suggested that Barcelona wanted the 32-year-old to decide his future on Tuesday and have lined up Baena as an alternative option.

Barcelona could bring in both players but only if finances permit a double swoop with manager Xavi identifying midfield reinforcements, according to ESPN.

The LaLiga champions rued missing out on a return for Lionel Messi after the Argentinian opted to join Inter Miami once his contract at PSG expired and now reportedly view creative additions as a necessity.

Xavi confirmed his transfer plans in a recent interview where he stated: 'I would sign a Santi Cazorla for Barca.'

The former Arsenal forward, also previously of Villarreal, starred in both the Premier League and LaLiga with his creative capabilities wreaking havoc on opposition defences and Barcelona believe Baena fits the same profile.

Sergio Busquets' decision to call time on his Barcelona career has also sped up the need for a suitable replacement to be found before the start of the new season.

Baena committed his long-term future to Villarreal in January after signing a contract until 2028, meaning that his transfer to a LaLiga rival would likely command a hefty transfer fee.

However, the Nou Camp outfit face financial restrictions imposed on them by the league's governing body, meaning that Gundogan in on a free transfer would likely be the preferred option.

Departures would free up funds that could then be used to try and negotiate a fee for Baena, with Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti mooted as potential outgoings among other first-team stars.

The Villarreal star and his Man city counterpart both offer similar attacking contributions with only one goal and one assist separating their efforts over the course of the season.

But Gundogan's clinching of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup with Manchester City puts him ahead as the more attractive proposition.