Barca looking for defensive reinforcements

Barcelona aim to add to their defensive line, according to Marca.

There is a feeling of urgency at the Catalan club to add a left back to their ranks. They have no natural replacements for the current occupant of the spot Jordi Alba, and that is a burning issue for them. It seems allowing Lucas Digne to leave this summer has come back to haunt them, even though manager Ernesto Valverde initially trusted Miranda in the role. Now he has changed his mind and he’d like a more experienced option than the 18-year-old. Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno, Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis and Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal have all been linked with a move to Camp Nou recently, and Barca are expected to make a move to sort the problem out as early as January.

The Blaugrana also want to sign another centre-back, though they will likely wait for the summer to put that plan into action. The contract of Thomas Vermaelen runs out at the end of the season and a new deal for the Belgian isn’t expected at this point. A prospective target would be a right-footed central defender, someone who could step in for Gerard Pique.