The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' revealed in a report that Barcelona club decided to withdraw from the race to sign German defender Nico Schlotterbeck, a Dortmund player, during the upcoming transfer period.

According to the report, the Catalan club does not see that the player fits the technical specifications sought by coach Hans Flick, and therefore the Catalan club decided to overlook signing him.

The newspaper added that Barcelona's management does not intend to enter into a contractual battle with Real Madrid if the royal club decides to move to sign the player, confirming that direct competition between the two poles in the transfer market is not currently within the administration's plans.

In a related context, reports indicated that the name of Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni, an Inter Milan player, is among the options on Barcelona's table to strengthen the defensive line in the upcoming phase.