German international Jonas Hector of Bundesliga's FC Köln on Wednesday has rejected Barcelona's offer, according to recent reports.

The Spanish champions were closely following the player at the 2016 European Championships, where Hector drew the attention of numerous big teams.

Barcelona are on the hunt for a player capable of playing as a central defender or at left back, to help strengthen a backline that saw Dani Alves and Marc Bartra leave since the end of last season.

Barcelona have other, cheaper, alternatives in mind, but Jonas Hector is the player Luis Enrique wanted the most.

FC Köln are demanding around €18m (£15.2m, $20m) for his services.

Barca is looking for a second reinforcement after it bought back attacking midfielder Denis Suarez from Villarreal.