Barcelona miss out on Jonathan Tah as he signs for Bayern

Bayern Munich have beaten Barcelona to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Die Rekordmeister are looking for defensive reinforcement after losing Eric Dier and have added the Leverkusen stalwart to their ranks.

Earlier, it looked like Barcelona were close to signing Tah on a free transfer. The cash-constrained La Liga giants are looking for cheap, top-class additions, and the German international fits the bill.

Tah had also worked with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, which the Catalans felt gave them the upper hand in their quest to sign him.

However, Bayern have now pipped Barca to the signature of the 29-year-old centre-half as they bid to maintain their Bundesliga dominance next term.

Barcelona will be forced to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcement, but they must consider their finances. They might have to stick to the free-agent market.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof leaves on a free transfer this summer, and Barcelona might consider a cut-price deal.

The La Liga and Copa del Rey champions might need to spend the cash, taking the punt on a defender in the market, and there are several exciting options to consider.

Lille man Alexsandro Ribeiro is an underrated centre-half who should be on the radar of several top clubs this summer.

The Brazilian, who just received his first call-up under Carlo Ancelotti, has helped Les Dogues keep 10 clean sheets this term, winning 71% of his aerial and 58% of his ground duels.

Alexsandro is also excellent on the ball, recording 5.13 progressive passes. He can distribute with both feet and is a leader at the back.

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Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez is another fascinating centre-half talent Barca should be looking at.

The 21-year-old is turning the heads of European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain, who want to pair him with countryman Willian Pacho.

Barca plan to sell Andreas Christensen this summer. The physical and technically superb Ordonez can fill his boots.