Barcelona 'put together midfield shortlist for January window'
The Catalan side lost the inspirational Sergio Busquets on a free transfer over the summer, but two midfielders arrived in the shape of Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu.
Gundogan and Romeu have been regulars early in the season, with Barcelona making a solid start to their La Liga title defence, picking up 10 points from their opening four matches.
However, Xavi still allegedly believes that his team are missing a pivot midfielder, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the club have identified four possible signings at the start of 2024.
The report claims that Guido Rodriguez of Real Betis is admired, with the Argentina international's contract due to expire next summer, which could make him available for a cut-price fee in January.
Barcelona are believed to have seriously considered moving for Rodriguez before ultimately deciding to bring back Romeu from Girona due to the cost of the deal.
The Argentina international has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, but Real Betis have not given up hope of convincing him to sign a new deal.
Joao Palhinha is also said to be a target, with the Portugal international seeing a proposed move from Fulham to Bayern Munich break down in the final minutes of the summer window.
The midfielder underwent part of his medical at Bayern, in addition to his media duties, before it was confirmed that a switch had fallen through.
Bayern are thought to be planning to reignite their interest next year, though, and it is difficult to imagine Barcelona being in a position to sign Palhinha in January due to the
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