Barcelona have reportedly identified Sevilla defender, Jules Kounde as a potential replacement for veteran centre-back, Gerard Pique.

Pique, who has fallen behind in the pecking order in manager Xavi Hernandez’s squad, has recently been in the eye of the hurricane due to his separation from Colombian Pop star Shakira and his off-the-pitch antics at nightclubs.

Despite featuring in 40 matches across competitions for Barcelona last season, the 35-year-old defender is considered to be past his best.

According to reports, Hernandez has asked club president Joan Laporta and sporting director, Mateu Alemany, to snap up Kounde.

The report also added that the Barcelona hierarchy has identified the 23-year-old as the one to replace Pique in the first team.