Shkodran Mustafi, left, with German international teammates Lukas Podolski, centre, and Per Mertesacker during the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Andreas Gilbert / EPA
Shkodran Mustafi, left, with German international teammates Lukas Podolski, centre, and Per Mertesacker during the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Andreas Gilbert / EPA
Shkodran Mustafi, left, with German international teammates Lukas Podolski, centre, and Per Mertesacker during the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Andreas Gilbert / EPA
Shkodran Mustafi, left, with German international teammates Lukas Podolski, centre, and Per Mertesacker during the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Andreas Gilbert / EPA

Real Madrid and Barcelona ‘in talks’ with Valencia over defender Shkodran Mustafi, reveals father


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Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to battle for defender Shkodran Mustafi after the player’s father said both clubs have contacted Valencia.

Germany defender Mustafi, 23, moved to Valencia last summer from Italian side Sampdoria and was a pivotal part of the team’s fourth-place Primera Liga finish.

However, according to quotes attributed to his father, Mustafi could be on the move to one of Spain’s biggest clubs.

"I can confirm that both clubs have made contacts," Mustafi's father Kujtim told Albanian newspaper Gazeta Express. "They are in talks with the club and I don't know more. This is all I can say at this stage.

“There are good chances that he will leave this summer, but he can also continue with Valencia.”

Mustafi Sr’s quotes are supported by the player’s agent, Ali Bulut, who said contact had been made, but the chance of a move was still some way off.

"There has been an inquiry from Real Madrid," he told the German publications Bild. "But there have not been any further talks.

“Barca talked about a transfer in the winter, but Mustafi has a good contract at Valencia.

“It is a great club and he will play in the Champions League. If he is to move, everything must be perfect.”

Mustafi began his career at German club Hamburg before moving to Premier League side Everton while still an academy player.

After failing to break into the senior set-up at Everton, Mustafi moved to Sampdoria in 2012 for two years before arriving in Valencia.

Mustafi has been capped eight times by Germany and was part of the 2014 Fifa World Cup-winning squad.

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