[h=3]Barca keen on Valencia star Alba[/h]
Barcelona are said to be monitoring the progress of Valencia left-back Jordi Alba, if reports emanating from Spain are to be believed.
Alba, who is also comfortable playing on the left side of midfield, established himself as one of Los Che's key players last season, and recently earned his first cap for Spain in the 3-1 win over Scotland.
And Las Provincias believes the 22-year-old's impressive performances have made Barca sit up and take notice, especially since they are said to be on the lookout for a left-back.
Eric Abidal, who is currently first-choice on the left side of defence is in the last year of his contract, and due to his increasing years, plus reported interest from PSG and AC Milan, it remains to be seen if he will still be around next season.
Adriano has proved to be a competent squad player but lacks the talent necessary to command a first team berth, while fellow Brazilian Maxwell has spent more time on the sidelines injured than on the pitch.
As such, Barca coach Pep Guardiola is said to have made a young left-back top of his shopping list.
Earlier in the summer, the Catalan outfit admitted their interest in then-Sporting Gijon defender Jose Angel, but a failure to agree terms saw him move to Roma instead, and Barca let slip the chance to sign one of Spain's brightest young talents.
Having missed out on Jose Angel, it remains to be seen if Barca will go all out in their pursuit of Alba, who could go on to become Spain's starting left-back over the next decade
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