Flick identifies Stuttgart defender as target to strengthen Barcelona's defence

Barcelona's manager Hans Flick has identified German defender Finn Gilch, a player from Stuttgart, as a target to strengthen the defence during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Spanish newspaper "Sport".

Gieltsch is 20 years old and plays as a right centre-back. He is considered one of the standout rising talents in European football this season, and he has been called up by Jürgen Klopp to the German national team.

The young defender is attracting interest from several top clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, who are reportedly ready to pay €50 million to sign him.

Sources close to Stuttgart have confirmed that Flick is interested in signing Giltch, amid the ongoing monitoring of German football by the Barcelona coach, who was behind the signing of Karim Adeyemi during the summer.

The player's market value is around €40 million, according to Transfermarkt, but Sport expects it to rise significantly as his level continues to develop.

The player is in his third season with Stuttgart, having joined from Nürnberg, and this current season could be his last with the team, amid interest from Barcelona and other clubs in securing his services.