Jan Vertonghen
Reuters

Barcelona are desperately looking for defensive reinforcements this summer and according to reports in Spain both Tottenham Hotspur star Jan Vertonghen and Manchester United target Mats Hummels are on their shopping list.

After Carlos Puyol announced his retirement and with new manager Luis Enrique considering restoring Javier Mascherano in midfield, the Catalans want to add two centre-backs to their ranks this summer to partner Gerard Pique and youngster Marc Bartra.

Paris Saint Germain star Marquinhos and Valencia's Jeremy Mathieu are reportedly their two primary targets but following unsuccessful negotiations with both clubs, Mundo Deportivo claims they are now looking at alternatives.

And the Catalan-based newspaper reports that both Vertonghen and Hummels lead a short-list of alternatives that also includes Sevilla star Federico Fazio and Basel defender Fabian Schar.

Luis Enrique wants to seal deals for two centre-backs as soon as possible and although Barcelona are still expected to make a final approach for Marquinhos and Mathieu they will go elsewhere should PSG and Valencia keep refusing to negotiate.

If that scenario unfolds Barcelona will attempt to bring the Tottenham defender to the club, if Spurs are willing to negotiate a fee of around €20m for the Belgian international.

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Barcelona have been monitoring Vertonghen since his emergence at Ajax and following his impressive World Cup campaign they are now convinced he has what it takes to lead the Catalans defence – both as a centre-back and at left back.

The Belgium international moved to north London from Ajax in the summer of 2012 and has since played an integral role at White Hart Lane.

However, earlier last season he hinted a summer exit could happen should Tottenham failed to secure Champions League football.

"Those are always difficult questions. What I want is to be playing in the Champions League with Tottenham, so I hope we get in this year," Vertonghen said.

"Do I have a decision to make if we don't? I can't say anything about that. Let's see after the end of the season, after the World Cup. I can't say anything about that so let's see after the end of the season and after the World Cup."

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also considering Borussia Dortmund star Hummels, who has been tipped as Louis van Gaal first-choice in his attempts to bolster his defence at Old Trafford.