Barcelona to sign a central defender in January

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino is looking to sign a central defender in the January transfer market, according to River Plate president Daniel Passarella.

The Argentine coach has just welcomed back Carles Puyol from injury, but having had little time to reinforce his squad during the summer, he is likely to make things right in the winter transfer market.

River Plate president Daniel Passarella has revealed that Gerardo Martino told him that he would be on the lookout for defenders in the winter.

“I spoke with Tata Martino for a moment, a very nice chat, and then he commented to me that in December Barcelona will be in need of defenders,” Passarella explained to Argentine newspaper Ole.

The Catalans attempted to sign a high-profile centre-back in the summer, but they were unable to recruit long-term targets Thiago Silva and David Luiz.

Barcelona continue to be linked with Liverpool stopper Daniel Agger, who appears to be the most realistic target at the moment.

Talented Marc Bartra is also an option for the heart of defence, but the 22-year-old has yet to be used this season.