Barcelona have pulled out of a move for Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka - also being watched by Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich - reports Don Balon.

Goretzka, 22, is out of contract at Schalke at the end of the season.

Barcelona sent scout Ariedo Braida to watch the German international in action against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night.

But he says it is too soon for the player to join Barca, declaring: "He is certainly a great player, but for Barcelona it is too soon," said Braida.

"I travel around the world in search of great talent, but our demands are extremely high."

Zlatan's surgeon issues warning

Ibrahimovic is entering the latter stages of his comeback (
Image:
Manchester United)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's surgeon has issued a warning over the striker's return to action for Manchester United , insisting the Swede must only return 'when he is fully fit'.

The Swede tore his anterior crutiate ligament against Anderlecht in April after netting 28 goals for the Red Devils, report the Manchester Evening News .

After being initially released by by the club following the expiration of his contract, the 35-year -old has penned a new one-year deal and is stepping up his comeback.

Ibrahimovic has bounced back remarkably well from the injury, putting in the hours at Carrington, and Jose Mourinho has named him in his squad for the Champions League group stages.

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And while there has been speculation that Ibrahimovic could return to training by the end of October, Dr. Freddie Fu believes his former patient needs as much time as possible.

“I have no worry about his injury as it always takes time to fully recover,” he told the South China Morning Post .

“In fact the EPL has just started and I am sure Manchester United would not need the player urgently for any crucial game either in the league or European competitions.

“He is very strong but soccer is still a combative sport. As a doctor, of course I want to see him return as slow as possible, only when he is fully fit for the game. There have been many cases of a player returning prematurely with bad consequences.”

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