Tottenham owned defender Luka Vušković

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic is firmly on Barcelona’s radar for the summer as the Catalans search for a new centre-back for the future.

Sport BILD report that Barcelona are one of the potential options for the 19-year-old, who has been recommended to them by Croatian icon Ivan Rakitic.

The German newspaper cover the Tottenham centre-back today ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer for him.

Frosty Tottenham relationship

Luka Vuskovic is set to return to Tottenham later this year following a successful loan spell at HSV Hamburg. But whether he remains at Spurs beyond that point is currently unclear.

SportBILD report that Vuskovic’s relationship with Spurs is frosty. Tottenham’s decision to loan him out last summer left him frustrated. He also wants to play in Europe next season.

That’s alerted some Champions League clubs to him, because the Croatian is considered a mega-talent in European football. His performances for HSV have only solidified that. Liverpool are even among those talking about him.

Barcelona have Vuskovic in their sights

Barcelona, in particular, have their sights on the centre-back. They’re looking for a tall, strong header of the ball and have been monitoring Luka Vuskovic.

The defender has also made it clear that he ‘would like to play in Spain’ at some point. That’s seen as transfer encouragement for Barcelona.

So too is the fact that he’s represented by Pini Zahavi. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has a good relationship with the 83-year-old. He also represents Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and striker Robert Lewandowski.

According to SportBILD it’s clear that Zahavi is in contact with the Catalans about Vuskovic. Furthermore, former Barça star Ivan Rakitic has also recommended the HSV defender to his former club.

Tottenham asking price

The question is whether Tottenham want to sell, particularly in a summer window in which Cristian Romero and Micky van Ven seem to be pushing to leave.

They current value Vuskovic at €60m, but that figure is one that is rising. It will likely receive a major boost if he plays in the World Cup with Croatia this summer.

Whether Barcelona would pay such a sum isn’t clear. But they are circling and there is a feeling Zahavi is working behind the scenes; this is a story that could gather real momentum quickly.

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