Barcelona were planning to move for Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne before yesterday's contract renewal yesterday, it has been revealed.
The Times says new Barca president Joan Laporta seriously considered moving for the Belgium international this summer.
However, after doing the sums, Laporta accepted a deal was unlikely.
De Bruyne penned terms to 2025 yesterday, stating: "I could not be happier. Since I joined City in 2015, I have felt at home. I love the fans, my family is based here in Manchester and my own game has developed really well.
"This club is geared towards success. It gives me everything I need to maximise my performance, so signing this contract was an easy decision to make."
