Barça watched midfielder Ndembele in Lyon's draw with Manchester City
The midfielder was checked out by Abidal's assistant Planes on Tuesday
SPORT revealed last week that Barcelona are interested in Tanguy Ndombele. Without going any further, the Catalan side sent Ramon Planes to Lyon to watch the French side's Champions League game against Manchester City on Tuesday.
Ndombele, a France international, has been one of the stars of Ligue 1 this season. The midfielder's reputation has shot up and the reports reaching Barça's sporting director have been good. Abidal, therefore, sent his No.2, Planes, to see for himself.
Barça, following their usual policy of comparing different scouts and coaches' reports, have established the order to follow with Ndombele. Abidal's good relationship with Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas allows them to block the player's next move as they decide whether to make an official move. On Tuesday, Planes had the chance to watch him on the big stage.
The option of signing Ndombele has gathered strength recently. There are serious doubts inside the club about the chances of signing De Jong, the top target in midfield. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain's financial power is seen as the major obstacle due to the involvement of the Dutchman's agent, Ali Dursun.
