Barcelona linked with January move for Dejan Lovren

Barcelona have been linked with a surprise move for Dejan Lovren in January after losing several of their centre-backs to injury in recent weeks.

Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen are both out with injuries, with Vermaelen’s thigh strain keeping him out for six weeks.

Manager Ernesto Valverde now only has Clement Langlet and Gerard Pique at his disposal, and Mundo Deportivo are now suggesting that the Barca manager will target a new centre-back in January, with Lovren an option.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Dejan Lovren of Croatia celebrates following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

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Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu was outspoken on the prospect.

“We’ll be on the lookout for a centre-back in the market. It’s bad luck that two of the four we have have gotten injured,” he told Marca.

“We have a B team and this could translate into an opportunity for them.

“We’ll have to see what happens.”

The Spanish press firmly believe that Lovren will be Barcelona’s preferred choice, with the Croatian making just two appearances so far this season after falling behind Joe Gomez in the pecking order.

Lovren established himself on the international stage after helping his country reach the World Cup final, and has seemingly improved defensively under Virgil van Dijk’s leadership at Liverpool.

It is unlikely, however, that Jurgen Klopp will sanction Lovren’s departure, unless a particularly irresistible offer is on the table.

Barcelona have also been linked with a summer move for Roberto Firmino, but Liverpool would no doubt resist any advances from the La Liga champions.

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Source: anfieldhq.com