FC Barcelona: 5 Central Defenders for Tito Vilanova to Consider

With just over three weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, there is one position Barcelona have yet to touch upon in the centre of defense.

With the team's stalwart Carles Puyol reaching the age of 34 and yet again battling injury, Barca's lack of depth at the position has become quite clear. After all, it was one of the only weak points in the squad last season. The club used Javier Mascherano, a defensive midfielder, as a substitute.

Clearly, this is a spot that could do with being addressed.

Seeing as the rest of the team is pretty loaded with talent, money is probably not a big issue.

The question is, who should Barca get to buffer the middle of the defense?

Here are five options for new manager Tito Vilanova.

Adil Rami

The Valencia and France centre-back has all the tools to make a positive impact at Camp Nou.

A stout defender with great leadership qualities, Rami adjusted well to La Liga in 2011-12 during his first full season in Spain.

There hasn't been much speculation linking the Frenchman to Barca, but he is certainly a good backup plan come August 31.

Mats Hummels

Hummels could certainly spruce up the back four in Barcelona, but it doesn't look like the club will land him.

Barcelona do not seem to have taken many steps toward acquiring the Borussia Dortmund man, while the German club recently signed him to an extension through 2017.

That doesn't mean a move is impossible, but it does mean it's unlikely.

The 23-year-old is a great talent at the back. He uses his size and tackling to outmuscle his opponents.

Hummels's penchant for coming forward in attack is an attractive quality, but can sometimes be a weakness.

In Euro 2012, the German was caught out of position, allowing Mario Balotelli the space to score the second goal in Italy's eventual 2-1 victory.

Daniel Agger

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are already in a bidding war with Manchester City for the Liverpool defender.

At 27 years old, Agger would be a good signing to buffer the defense for the next few years as the team's youth players develop.

There are some questions about Agger's durability, but his play on the pitch for Liverpool and in captaining Denmark has been very good.

However, the £25 million price tag that Liverpool have reportedly placed on the Dane (via ESPN) might be more than Barca are willing to spend.

David Luiz

The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Barcelona for the majority of the summer by sources including the Daily Mail.

At Chelsea, the 25-year-old quickly became almost a comical character, drifting forward in attack and playing mediocre in defense.

However, Luiz's roving qualities could definitely be honed at Barcelona.

The defender has not been in great favor at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, this move is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

Javi Martinez

He's Spanish, captained the Under-21 side to the European Championship and played a game at Euro 2012.

He's played his whole career in La Liga and impressed last season with Athletic Bilbao.

He has the capacity to play both in the centre of defense and as a defensive midfielder, which is the kind of versatility that fits in perfectly with Barca's style.

Obviously, Javi Martinez is Barcelona's first choice.

If only the team could figure out a way past his €40 million price tag (via Goal.com).

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