Transfer news: Marc-Andre ter Stegen moves closer to Barcelona switch after refusing new contract at Borussia Monchengladbach

Barcelona are seeking a new goalkeeper to replace Victor Valdes, who has stated he will leave the club at the end of the season

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GETTY IMAGES)

Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has turned down an offer to renew his contract, fuelling rumours that he is on his way to Barcelona this summer.

The 21-year-old, who has represented Germany at both senior and Under-21 level, has been linked to the Catalan giants for months, with speculation growing about an impending move since he stalled on Gladbach's contract extension offer last autumn. Today he announced his final decision not to renew at the club.

His current contract lasts only until the summer of 2015, and while there is no release clause, Gladbach will be looking to get a transfer fee over ten million Euros this summer, rather than losing him on a free the following year.

Gladbach's Director of Sport Max Eberl seemed to confirm that Barcelona were prime candidates, saying today that "we think it's the club that everyone's saying it is". No official offer from the Spanish Champions has been announced, however, and ter Stegen has also been linked to Juventus and a handful of Premier League clubs.

The goalkeeper was visibly upset when announcing his decision, stating "It wasn't an easy decision to make, I hope the fans can understand. I have a lot to thank the club for."

Gladbach, currently third in the Bundesliga behind Bayer Leverkusen and FC Bayern, will already be after a replacement, with Freiburg keeper Oliver Baumann one of the most prominent players linked to the club.