Barcelona have already seen a £20million bid rejected for Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi but the Liga champions are expected to return with an improved offer.

But why do Barca want a player who has repeatedly flattered to deceive during his time at Signal Iduna Park?

Adeyemi made 39 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions last season, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists. Respectable figures but not ones that stand out, and not enough to secure him a place in Germany’s World Cup squad.

The Catalans have signed England winger Anthony Gordon this summer and have the likes of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Raphinha already on the books.

Hansi Flick has targeted his countryman for one simple reason: pace.

Adeyemi’s pace would create havoc for Barcelona’s opponents

Yamal and Gordon are quick but Adeyemi would bring an extra dimension to the Barca attack.

The 24-year-old has a recorded top speed of 22.48 miles per hour with his explosiveness off the mark particularly impressive.

Adeyemi was timed at 3.6 seconds over the first 30 metres, quicker than Usain Bolt when he ran his 100 metre world record of 9.58 seconds. On that occasion, at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Bolt covered the first 30 metres in 3.78 seconds.

Former RB Salzburg wideman Adeyemi is well aware of his greatest strength. He said: “I think I’m the fastest player in football. I’m pretty sure of it. There may be players approaching me, but none are faster.”

Whether a deal to take Adeyemi to Camp Nou can be struck remains to be seen.

Adeyemi has already outlined his intention to leave Dortmund this summer and has also been linked with Premier League club Aston Villa.