Barcelona eyeing Valencia's Jose Gaya as Jordi Alba replacement

Barcelona are keeping tabs on Valencia full-back Jose Gaya as they look to line up a long-term successor to Jordi Alba.

Spain international Alba has been a mainstay of the Barça starting XI since his arrival at Camp Nou in 2012 and has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at the club. The left-back boasts no fewer than five Spanish titles as well as four Copa del Rey triumphs and one Champions League.

However, with the 31-year-old entering the twilight of his career, journalist Xavi Campos (via Onze) claims Barcelona are eyeing up a potential move for Gaya, with a €15m (£13.3m) move mooted to be in the offing.

A product of the Valencia youth system, Gaya has cemented his place on the left-hand side of their defence since being promoted to the senior side in 2013.

The 25-year-old was handed the captain's armband at the beginning of the 2020/21 season and is rivalling Alba for the left-back spot in the Spanish national team.

Barça's interest in Gaya has raised further speculation regarding the future of Junior Firpo. The 24-year-old is said to have been deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou, with both West Ham and Milan lodging an interest in the full-back.

And it may well be that Barcelona are forced to sell Firpo before they can sanction any arrivals at the club.

Barça's financial woes have been made no secret of late, with the club forced to endure a fire sale last summer in a bid to decrease the wage bill.

Recent reports have also suggested they still owe as much as €323m (£287m) in transfer fees - including €70m (£62.1m) to Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho - but it seems the club are still prepared to delve deep into their pockets in a bid to bolster their defensive options.