Barcelona Transfer Rumours: Will Thiago Silva and Jordi Alba Join the Backline?

As of Friday, rumours began to circulate that Barcelona was brewing up big plans to improve its defense. 

According to a Spanish newspaper, the reigning La Liga champions are working on a deal to bring Valencia left-back Jordi Alba and A.C. Milan center-back to the Camp Nou. 

With star defenders Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol aging, Barça is looking to keep its defensive strength at the same level that its been in recent years. 

With Abidal now 32 and Puyol turning 34 in April, the club is looking for some young, established defenders to complement its backline. 

Barcelona has already expressed interest in Alba, who has one and a half years left on his deal with Valenica. His current release clause sits at €20 million.

The 22-year-old Spaniard has impressed in his three-year stint at Valencia. With Los Che looking to stay competitive (in third place as of Jan. 2012) in La Liga, Barça will have to draw up a good offer in order for Valencia to sell its star defender to an inter-league rival. 

Puyol, whom Silva would replace, has been a solid and key defender for Barça over the years but has only played in seven of the clubs 17 La Liga games this season. 

Silva is under contract in Milan until June 2016; however, he has supposedly expressed interest in moving to the Camp Nou.

Therefore, Milan would have to heed the Brazilian's desires if Barcelona were to supply the €30 million release clause on Silva's contract. 

The 27-year-old has been an important component to Milan's squad in his three years with the Serie A squad.

Silva has started 16 out of Milan's 17 games this season, which is the most games started by any player on the squad including the goalkeeper. 

The buzz suggests that Barça will bypass this winter's transfer window and wait until summer to present a well-formulated deal for both defenders. 

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