Barcelona target bosman Kompany move

Kompany has become a City legend since joining the club form Hamburg a decade ago, but his persistent injury problems have seen him slip behind John Stones and Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order at the Etihad.

His lack of consistent availability has seen talks over a new contract shelved, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

As things stand, the situation is expected to be assesed again at the end of the campaign, with Kompany earmarked for a role behind the scenes at City when he calls time on his playing career.

However, according to 'The Sun', Barcelona could throw a spanner in those plans by swooping for the Belgian on a free transfer.

They quote a City source as saying: “There are strong rumours around the place Barca have shown interest in taking Vinnie to Spain.

“He is concentrating on his football at present and comfortable with the whole situation. Anything will be left late to see how the land lies.

“Vinnie has a job for life here. He has a big role inside the City Football Group when he does decide to call time of his playing career.

“He believes he can perform here for a few more years. We'll have to wait and see what happens but Barcelona are admirers of his.”

Barca are keen on adding a defender to their ranks to compete with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, though it comes as something of a surprise that they have turned their attentions to Kompany given his recurring injury problems.

Kompany has made 339 appearances for City to date, winning three Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad.

The latest Barcelona transfer news and rumours