Barcelona have three central defenders on their transfer shortlist

Barcelona are closing in on their first January signing, with Ferran Torres’ arrival from Manchester City all but done.

That is unlikely to be the only signing of the winter for the Blaugrana as Xavi Hernandez looks to bolster his ranks ahead of the second half of the ongoing campaign.

Reports had indicated that the manager would want to bring in a winger and a striker, but with Torres capable of playing in both positions and the likes of Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay close to returning from injuries, plans have seemingly changed.

Now, Xavi would like to add a centre-back to his roster in January, but any move would require Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet to leave the club first, reports Gerard Romero.

The Barça transfer expert goes on to add that the Catalans have three options on their transfer shortlist to bolster the defensive ranks. The first name on the list is believed to be Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, who is admired by manager Xavi.

The Frenchman has been one of the best young defenders in La Liga for the past couple of years, but will not be available on the market in January as Sevilla are challenging for the La Liga title.

The second option on the Catalans’ wishlist is believed to be Matthijs de Ligt, whose arrival midway through the campaign is also unlikely. The Juventus defender, however, could be on the move at the end of the season, when Barça could revisit their interest.

The final name on the list, as reported by Romero, is that of Chelsea star Andreas Christensen. The Dane represents the most realistic option for the Catalans considering that his contract with the Blues runs out at the end of the season, which would mean that he could be available for a bargain in January.

In case both Umtiti and Lenglet leave, and a move for Christensen also falls through, Barcelona would potentially promote B team defender Mika Marmol to the senior squad.