Surprise targets emerge as Barcelona seek short term centre back fix

Some surprising targets have emerged as Barcelona look for short term centre-back alternatives after it was revealed that Samuel Umtiti required knee surgery.

The Catalan club are reportedly considering loan moves in January, and The Mirror claim that both Vincent Kompany and Branislav Ivanovic are on their shortlist.

The former is highly unlikely to be on the move despite seeing his playing time limited at Manchester City this season, but the former Chelsea defender, now at Zenit, is thought to be a more realistic option.

Barcelona have already been rebuffed in their approach to sign a current Blue in the form of Andreas Christensen according to the same source but are willing to look towards experience as a temporary fix to their defensive problems.

Christensen is still believed to be in Maurizio Sarri’s plans despite not starting a single league game this season, though he has been a regular feature in cup competitions.

His composure in possession no doubt appealed to current champions of Spain, completing more short passes than any other player in the Europa League this season, but their attentions have been diverted elsewhere.