Transfer Debate: Barcelona and Five Not-So Heavyweights Linked With La Liga Side

Barcelona's January transfer window highlights have been the signing of Ibrahim Afellay from PSV 3 million Euros and the stalling contract talks with fullback Dani Alves. Barcelona has also been linked with Gareth Bale, Carlos Tevez, Cesc Fabregas and other Champions League performers, and their chances of imping their trade at the Nou Camp this winter seems a distant reality. 

Here are some not-so heavyweights Barcelona has been linked with. 

Alexis Sanchez

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

GENOA, ITALY - JANUARY 16: Alexis Sanchez of Udinese Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Genoa and Udinese at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 16, 2011 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Barca are considering tabling a transfer bid for Chilean wing wizard Alexis Sanchez with one of the Blaugrana’s head scouts present at Udinese's Serie A match at Genoa. 

Sanchez has developed into one of Europe’s most explosive talents over the past few years and has caught the attention of both Manchester United and Inter Milan, with the former reportedly preparing a bid in the region of 25 million Euros for the highly-rated Chilean.

Rafael

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Rafael Da Silva of Manchester United is confronted by William Gallas of Spurs during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on January 16, 2011 in London, England

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has set his sights on capturing Manchester United right back Rafael and has earmarked the Brazilian as a potential target. The 20-year-old Brazilian has had a good season thus far at Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to shun moves from the Catalan giants.

Dani Alves contract talks have stalled at the Nou Camp, and although reports coming in from Spain suggest he is close to signing an improved contract this week, Pep is determined to bring in the Brazilian to add more firepower and a backup for Dani Alves. 

Atita Turan

Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Grenoble starlet Atila Turan according to L’Equipe.

Barca sports director Andoni Zubizarreta reportedly sent Bojan Krkic’s father to view the talented midfielder from the stands during Grenoble’s clash with Sedan.

The 18-year-old midfielder has sparked interest from a number of clubs with Arsene Wenger reported to be a keen admirer of his fellow Frenchman. Italian sides Fiorentina and Juventus are also keeping an eye out for the player and it would be an ideal time for Barcelona to lay on offer if they seriously intend to buy. 

Edison Cavani

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

NAPLES, ITALY - JANUARY 09: Edinson Cavani of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring the third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio San Paolo on January 9, 2011 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

According to a few rumors, it has affirmed that Villareal and Barcelona are ready to make an offer for the current top goal scorer of Serie A, Edison Cavani.

Cavani has been in emphatic form this season and has won the hearts of Napoli fans. A move this January seems a distant reality, as he would prefer increasing his tally to being the highest goal getter in Serie A rather than a place on Barcelona's talented bench. A move in the summer could be on though. 

Luka Modric

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Luka Modric of Spurs is pursued by Darren Fletcher of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on January 16, 2011 in London, England. (Ph

The Croatian international has dazzled at home and in Europe this season, and come to the attention of Barca scouts. Luka has always been liked by Pep Guardiola and has been in the fold since August. 

It is still hard to see how he'd get a regular spot with the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets operating, and Afellay's signing could all but kill any chances of him coming to the Nou Camp.