Tuesday, 24th December, 2013
Borussia Monchengladbach coach Lucien Favre is taking a "realistic" approach towards Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Barcelona continue to monitor the situation.
Ter Stegen, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Napoli's Pepe Reina are the three frontrunners to replace Victor Valdes next season at the Camp Nou.
Ter Stegen was tipped to make a decision "within a few days" at the start of December, after news emerged that Barcelona had scouted the shot-stopper in Germany and spoken with his family.
And while Gladbach have always maintained hope that Ter Stegen will extend his contract beyond 2015, Favre may be resigning himself to his exit.
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When asked if Ter Stegen was close to sealing a Barcelona deal, Favre, quoted by Tuttomercato, said: "It's difficult to answer.
"Hopefully he can continue with us. But when a team like Barcelona comes knocking we have to be realistic, whilst still maintaining hope."
Juventus were one of the teams hoping to lure Ter Stegen away from the Catalans' radar with a €10m offer.
Ter Stegen has maintained his good form this season with six clean sheets in 17 Bundesliga games, with Gladbach sitting third in the table.
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