According to reports from 'SPORT', Dutch centre-back Ruud Nijstad, aged just 18, has emerged as a prime target for FC Barcelona, who envisage him forming a formidable defensive partnership alongside Cubarsi for the next decade.

Currently plying his trade at Twente, Nijstad has yet to earn a senior call-up for the 'Oranje' but is widely considered one of the brightest defensive prospects in the Netherlands. Under contract until 2029, the Eredivisie outfit are poised to drive a hard bargain, reportedly slapping a €20 million price tag on an undisputed starter who has already racked up 43 appearances for their first team.

Barcelona will attempt to negotiate that fee down in order to broker an agreement during the upcoming winter transfer window, where Financial Fair Play constraints will once again leave them operating within very tight financial margins.