Barcelona director Deco prefers teenage defender over €8 million-rated La Liga

Barcelona have their work cut out in terms of finances, but they continue to scour the market for promising opportunities to exploit.

Reinforcing the right-back department remains one of the top priorities for Xavi and the Blaugrana hierarchy.

Earlier today, reports of Pablo Maffeo being on Barcelona’s radar began to do the rounds.

Maffeo, who is 26 years old, has demonstrated a high ceiling and would arrive as a low-cost option, with reports suggesting that he could be available for as little as €6-8 million.

Fresneda the priority for Deco

However, now, according to SPORT, Barcelona director Deco’s top objective in an effort to fortify the right-back position remains Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.

It was evident during the Joan Gamper Trophy that the team needed to do something to address the issues residing on the right flank.

The likes of Joao Cancelo and Juan Foyth have previously been linked with Barcelona, but their incorporation appears arduous owing to the current economic climate.

While Maffeo is also an option on the table, Deco is convinced Fresneda is the right man to carry the responsibility.

Compared to Maffeo, Fresneda is still relatively young and can be considered a long-term investment.

Even though Xavi and Mateu Alemany are seeking a more experienced option, he team is quietly working on integrating the Valladolid sensation, who is keen to join Barça.

Although Fresneda has a release clause worth €20 million in his contract, the Blaugranas believe that a bid of €10 million plus €5 million in add-ons will persuade Valladolid to sell the young star.

As interest in the 18-year-old proceeds to grow day by day, he may not be prepared to wait much longer. If Barcelona do not act quickly, there is a possibility that they may lose out on him.