It is being speculated that Barcelona could move for Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings if they fail to net Valencia's David Albelda.
Barcelona are said to have intensified their search for a top defensive midfielder, as they look to rebuild following their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool.
Reports over the last ten days have put Valencia skipper David Albelda, 29, increasingly close to a summer move to the Nou Camp.
However, it now appears that the Catalans are also looking at Torsten Frings, 30, in case the Albelda move falls through.
Rijkaard has had the chance to see Frings for himself during Barca's four clashes with Bremen over the last eighteen months, and is said to rate the midfielder very highly.
The German international, who put in a superb display during the World Cup holding the midfield up behind Michael Ballack, is strong in the air, and an expert at hitting the target from distance - something that creates more space for teammates as opponents close him down.
He has also been linked with a move to Juventus in the summer, though the lure of Barcelona, if true, could prove to be very strong.
However, it is said to be only one of many steps barca are looking to take. The Catalan giants have also been linked recently with Eric Abidal and Jorge Andrade as they go about revamping a defense that has looked very shaky of late.
Some shoddy work at the back has been one of the major causes of their recent defeats to Sevilla, Valencia and Liverpool.
Source: Goal.com