Spurs target Leon Goretzka reportedly prefers Barcelona move, but Levy must still push for incredible bargain

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Schalke’s Leon Goretzka will be in demand in 2018, with Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur both keen.

According to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka prefers a move to Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Goretzka, 22, joined Schalke from hometown club VfL Bochum back in 2013, and he has become a key player for the Gelsenkirchen outfit in recent years.

The midfielder notched eight goals and four assists last season, and has starred this term with an impressive record of four goals in just nine Bundesliga appearances.

With six goals in 12 caps for Germany, Goretzka looks set for a huge future, and the problem for Schalke is that his contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be able to move on for free if he doesn’t sign a new deal.

The Mirror report that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in landing Goretzka having recently sent scouts to watch him in action on a number of occasions, but Mundo Deportivo claim that he prefers a move to Barcelona over a host of other options.

Schalke will be fearing losing Goretzka for nothing having seen Joel Matip (Liverpool) and Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal) leave the club at the end of their contracts in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and despite Barcelona’s huge pulling power, Spurs should still follow through with a move.

Being able to land a top midfielder with German international experience on a free transfer should be right up Daniel Levy’s alley, and Spurs have plenty to offer Goretzka in a bid to beat Barcelona to his signature.

Goretzka could be the ideal replacement for Mousa Dembele in the Spurs midfield, as the Belgian continues to suffer injury problems, with the German proving over his time with Schalke that he can be a top box-to-box midfielder, whilst offering more of a goal threat than Dembele.

Money may be an issue for Spurs in comparison to Barcelona, but in terms of playing time and the prospect of playing a major part in a developing side, Tottenham can offer a perfect home for the midfielder – and they shouldn’t be put off a bargain swoop by Barcelona’s interest.