3 players Barcelona will scout at the 2018 World Cup

After a relatively successful 2017/18 season in which they remained unbeaten in La Liga until the final day, and also lifted the Copa del Rey trophy, Barcelona will be preparing for the next season with one eye on the World Cup.

Many top-class players secure big-money moves after stellar performances in football's biggest competition and there is no reason for that to change this time around. Barcelona will be looking to sign a couple of world-class players in order to improve their squad and break Real Madrid's stranglehold on the Champions League trophy next season.

On that note, here are 3 players Barcelona should scout during the World Cup in Russia:

#3 Dele Alli

Dele Alli, over the course of the past couple of seasons, has risen to become one of the Premier League's brightest talents. He is one of Tottenham's most important players, arguably second only to Harry Kane, and his stock is rising year after year.

Barcelona, meanwhile, need a midfielder capable of filling the void left by Andres Iniesta's departure and Alli fits the bill. Alli won the PFA Young Player of the Year in his first two campaigns with the North London side and has firmly established himself in the Spurs line-up.

Alli provided as many as 10 assists in the Premier League this past season, to go with 9 goals and considering he will be playing alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi at Barcelona, that number could skyrocket.

The English midfielder currently earns around £60000 per week but could get a significant raise if Barca do indeed come calling.

Alli will look to lead England to just their second World Cup trophy when he lines up with his troops in Russia.

#2 Lucas Hernandez

France v United States - International Friendly Match

Barcelona have one of the best left-backs in the world in Jordi Alba but do not really possess much cover in the position. Lucas Digne was signed from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee believed to be around €16.5 million but the Frenchman has hardly featured for the Spanish side since.

He made just 12 appearances in the league but did not impress and he could be offloaded in the summer. He was also not named in France's World Cup squad.

Lucas Hernandez, on the other hand, had a breakthrough season with Atletico, turning out 27 times for the Europa League winners. Lucas also has the ability to play as a centre back and his versatility adds to his value as a defender. He could be the starting left-back for France in the World Cup and if he impresses in Russia, could well attract a number of suitors, including the Blaugrana.

#1 Timo Werner

Germany v Saudi Arabia - International Friendly

The German is one of the most prolific strikers in world football and is a primary target of numerous clubs and Barcelona need to join the race for his signature.

Werner managed just 13 goals for Leipzig in the league this past season, but struck a respectable 21 goals the season before that. Werner is one of the most lethal finishers from in and around the box, and perfectly suited to Barcelona's style of play. He is not the strongest in the air, but then he doesn't really need to be.

With Dembele struggling for consistency, Barca could opt to play Messi down the right, Suarez on the left and Werner through the middle which would make it arguably the greatest attacking trio in Europe.

Werner will be a part of his first World Club this time around and would be hoping to contribute extensively to Germany's campaign. The 22-year-old is valued at over £80 million but that should not be too big a hit on the Barcelona coffers.

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Who do you think Barcelona should keep an eye on? Let us know in the comments.