Barcelona closing in on Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah to leave Real Madrid behind empty-handed

Barcelona are in advanced talks to secure the services of Jonathan Tah and beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to his signature, according to El Chiringuito. Tah is yet to pen down a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen with a little over seven months left on his contract.

Barcelona want to strengthen their defence ahead of the next season. The club have immense faith in Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, who have consolidated themselves as undroppable in Hansi Flick's setup, while they are also patiently awaiting the return of Ronald Araujo to full fitness. On the other hand, there is concern regarding the future of Andreas Christensen, whose injury problems have kept him out of action this season.

Tah is among the mainstays under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen and has become an important figure in the German national team as well. Tah refused to sign an extension with Leverkusen last summer, which means that he could be set for a free transfer to one of the big clubs next summer.

Real Madrid's injury list keeps growing after Eder Militao suffered an ACL injury earlier this month. That leaves Los Blancos with just two natural centre-backs in the squad: Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo.

With David Alaba also yet to return from the ACL injury he suffered last year, Carlo Ancelotti wanted to bring another centre-back in January, with Tah among the list of candidates shortlisted by the club for a January move.

Tah will be leading the defence for Bayer Leverkusen when they taken on Heidenheim at the BayArena in Bundesliga on Saturday, November 23.