CEDRIC Soares is on a shortlist of right-backs Barcelona are keeping an eye on ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a national newspaper.

The Telegraph have reported that the Spanish giants are potentially after a new right-back, with Saints man Cedric a surprise inclusion on the list of targets.

Barca have had issues in that area since Dani Alves left for Juventus last summer.

The 25-year-old "is seen as suiting" the La Liga side's style.

First choice Aleix Vidal has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a broken ankle, while utility man Sergi Roberto has not convinced.

Cedric was brought to Saints from Sporting Lisbon in June 2015 for £4.7m after the departure of Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool.

The Portuguese made 27 appearances in his first season in an up and down campaign, before establishing himself this campaign - in which he's already played 21 times.

The Euro 2016 winner is very much attacking-minded and always provides an option on the right side, often seen looking overlapping runs and crosses.

He signed a new contract at St Mary’s last summer, which tied him to Saints until 2020.

Saints would be very reluctant to let go of Cedric, considering boss Claude Puel is a big admirer and he has improved this campaign.