Barcelona are said to be the frontrunners to sign Valencia's highly-rated left-back Jordi Alba.

Manchester United are also targeting the Spanish international, but his club's sporting director has tipped the Catalan giants to get in first.

Vazquez told Spanish newspaper Sport (via talkSPORT): "I suppose Barcelona want him because he's Catalan and plays on the left wing.

"We are obviously talking about an excellent player, and it's only normal that Barcelona are keen to sign him."

United boss Alex Ferguson had identified Alba as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, but may now have to look elsewhere.