Barcelona considering bids for Evans and Kompany

British tabloid The Daily Mail claims that Barcelona is considering bids for Manchester United central defender and Northern Irish international Jonny Evans and Manchester City central defender and Belgian international Vincent Kompany (23 - picture).

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would already had drawn up a short list of alternative candidates in case the transfer of Shaktar central defender Chygrynskiy wouldn't go through (read more here) and will now try to land one of these other options before the end of the month.

The tabloid claims that Manchester United is unlikely to listen to offers for Evans, while Kompany could be attractive because of his versatility, which allows him to also act as defensive midfielder.

The third player on the list, São Paulo central defender and Brazilian international João Miranda de Souza Filho "Miranda", would nevertheless be the easiest player to sign, particularly because Barcelona is expected to be wanting to concentrate resources on a bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas.

Read more:
Three possible alternatives for the centre-back
Shakhtar rejects two new offers for Chygrynskiy

Three possible alternatives for the centre-back

While the negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk defender and Ukrainian international Dmytro Chygrnskiy (22) at a standstill (read more here), and Barcelona still wanting to sign a left central defender to pair with Piqué for the long term, Catalan sports paper Sport claimsthat Barcelona has profiled three possible alternatives:

Vincent Kompany (23, 193m) - Manchester City defender and Belgian international
First choice. A versatile player previously targeted by Barcelona while Frank Rijkaard was still in charge, Thuram would have arrived instead. Belgian international, can play multiple positions. Shares defensive midfielder duties on the national team with another Barcelona target, Vertognen. Has height, versatility, youth and experience. Would have fit all the profiles sought by Barcelona.

Miranda (24, 1.85m) - Sao Paulo defender and Brazilian international
A speedy player who forms part of a central duo with veteran Andre Dias at Sao Paulo. Right-footed but plays on the left side in central defense. The fourth choice central defender on the Brazilian national team at the 2009 Confederations Cup behind Lucio, Juan and Luisao. Already had a failed European experience with French club Sochaux.

Jonny Evans (21, 1.88m) - Manchester United defender and Northern Irish international
A player with excellent mental attributes, tactical and calm on the ball. Manchester United's third choice central defender behind undisputed Vidic and Ferdinand. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson would have authorized the departure of current Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué in part because of the quality of Evans. Contract ends in 2011. Would cost between 12 and 15 million euro.