Report: Barca want Alba return

Spain international Jordi Alba could be on his way out of Valencia, with Barcelona reportedly making the wing-back one of their top targets.

El Mundo Deportivo claims La Liga holders Barcelona are in the market for a new left-back due to the imminent departure of Maxwell to Paris Saint-Germain and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Eric Abidal, and they view Alba, 22, as the perfect addition to their squad.

Barca first showed an interest in Alba ahead of the 2011/12 campaign, but they decided not to make an offer for the Spain international back at that time.

Pep Guardiola is said to have revived his interest in Alba, and have reportedly already informed the defender of their intentions to lure him back to Camp Nou.

Alba is a product of the Barcelona youth academy, but left the club in 2005 to join fellow Catalan club UE Conella.

He signed with Valencia in 2007, making his first-team debut the following year.

Alba’s contract at Valencia – where he has made 93 appearances – expires at the end of the 2012/13 season. He has featured 13 times this campaign, and made his national team debut in October.