Barcelona interested in Manchester City's versatile defender Zinchenko

The 23-year-old would provide more competition for Jordi Alba and facilitate Eric Garcia's arrival.

Barcelona are really interested in Manchester City's versatile defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to reliable Oriol Domenech of Mundo Deportivo.

Here are 3 reasons why the Catalans could be eager to make this surprising swoop.

Versatility: Originally a left-back, Zinchenko can also play as a left midfielder and even in the double-pivot system, something that Ronald Koeman is going to use regularly.

Healthy competition: The 23-year-old could be the right man to offer some competition for veteran left-back Jordi Alba as Junior Firpo hasn't managed to prove his class in his debut season.

Boost for Eric Garcia: The Ukraine international appears to be transferable and Manchester City could include him in the deal for Eric Garcia, especially if Rafinha goes the other way.

Zinchenko has fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola and hasn't made a single appearance this season.

Last term, the 23-year-old scored one goal in 25 matches for the Citizens in all competitions.