Report: 25-year-old PSG defensive mainstay not an option for Barcelona

Report: 25-year-old PSG defensive mainstay not an option for Barcelona Barcelona have begun scouring the market for defensive reinforcements heading into the January transfer window. The Blaugrana plan to sign a left-footed centre-back who can come in and make an impact right away, leading to links with several top players across Europe. Names such as Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), and Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) are being considered by the Barça hierarchy . Meanwhile, another name that has been linked to the La Liga champions in recent hours happens to be PSG defender Willian Pacho. Nothing to Barcelona-Pacho rumours However, reliable transfer journalist Matteo Moretto (h/t FCB World ) has quickly moved to shut down the speculation linking Pacho to Barcelona. The transfer expert made it clear that the 25-year-old Ecuadorian defender was not an option for Barcelona as PSG have no plans whatsoever to sell the player. Willian Pacho is not for sale. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste for Qatar Airways/Getty Images) Indeed, the reigning champions of France and Europe value the left-footed central defender and will not place him on the market any time in the near future. Moreover, PSG manager Luis Enrique is also a huge admirer of Pacho and has no intention of letting him go. Pacho himself is enjoying his time at PSG and intends to keep winning trophies with the French capital club. As such, he signed a new long-term contract with the Parisians not so long ago, committing to the club until 2031. Therefore, there is simply no scope for a move to Barcelona for the Ecuadorian international. Willian Pacho signed a new contract at PSG until 2031. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) Barcelona have other more realistic alternatives As mentioned already, Barcelona are looking at several possible targets to strengthen their defensive line in the January transfer window. Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United appears to be the most viable target for the Blaugrana as his contract at Old Trafford expires next summer, meaning he could be made available for a reasonable fee in January. Meanwhile, the club’s admiration for Bastoni remains intact and the player, too, would be keen on making the switch from Inter Milan. However, a €70 million fee would be needed for the transfer to go through, which could create complications.