Barcelona send scout to watch €45m-rated defender with Real Madrid and Inter also interested | OneFootball

Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch as they continue searching for a young centre-back capable of fitting into Hansi Flick’s plans.

According to Sky Germany, a Barcelona representative was present to watch the 20-year-old during Stuttgart’s meeting with Viking Stavanger. 

At the same time, Inter also sent an emissary to assess the German youth international, while Real Madrid have recently emerged among the clubs monitoring his progress.

The outlet assures that Jeltsch has attracted attention across Europe, with his physical profile adding to his appeal.

Barcelona continue their search for a young centre-back

The scouting trip comes as Barça continue to look for another defender who can complement Flick’s existing options.

Barcelona sent scouts to watch Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

The club have been assessing the centre-back market since last season, with the search becoming more important after their efforts to sign Ruud Nijstad failed to produce an agreement. 

Twente were unwilling to negotiate a deal that Barcelona considered reasonable, forcing the Catalan club to continue looking elsewhere.

Jeltsch, rated at €45 million, now appears to be one of the names on that wider scouting list.

His age is particularly relevant for Barcelona, who are looking for a player capable of developing within Flick’s system rather than simply adding another experienced defender to the squad.

Stuttgart reject claims of negotiations over Jeltsch

Real Madrid and Inter are also interested in the defender. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

For now, there is no indication that Barcelona have progressed beyond the scouting stage.

Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth has denied that negotiations are taking place for Jeltsch, refusing to fuel speculation surrounding the defender’s future.

That leaves the situation at the monitoring stage for now, with Barcelona joined by two of Europe’s biggest clubs in keeping tabs on his development.

Real Madrid’s interest only emerged recently, adding further attention and this could likely skyrocket his value even more. Simple supply and demand tactic.