Barcelona are eyeing Villarreal's impressive defender Gonzalo Rodriguez.
Barcelona have made an enquiry about Villarreal central defender Gonzalo Rodriguez and could include him in a possible deal for Juan Roman Riquelme, according to reports in Spain.The 20-year-old Argentinian has impressed in his first season in Spanish football after moving to El Madrigal last summer from San Lorenzo.
Barcelona have made signing a new centre half a priority and have also renewed their interest in Real Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito.
But Gonzalez is the most attractive option as he has Spanish citizenship and would not cost the Catalan club anything as they look to clinch a deal to allow Riquelme to stay at Villarreal.
Having broken into the Argentina squad last year as back-up for Roberto Ayala, Fabricio Coloccini and Walter Samuel, Rodriguez is more experienced than Barca's youth team product Oleguer, who has played regularly this term due to the injury crisis at the club.
Frank Rijkaard has made it clear that he will not include Riquelme in his plans for next season, as the midfielder's two-year loan spell at Villarreal comes to an end in the summer.
Barca's technical secretary, Txiki Beguiristain has already begun negotiations with the Argentinian's agent over an exit strategy for the player.
