Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Nolito and Blaugrana's January Plans

Barcelona's form has taken a significant turn for the worse since Lionel Messi was sidelined by a knee injury in late-September, but it seems fans can distract themselves for now with news they are already looking to beef up come the January transfer window through Nolito and possibly a few others.

Struggling with a severe lack of depth, it looks as if 2016 could well be the turning point they need, with club officials claiming they are looking to strengthen.

Technical director Roberto Fernandez told Radio Catalunya (h/t FourFourTwo) the Blaugrana are very interested in bringing new faces on board, and he stressed it was largely due to the fact they had suffered from so many injuries, with Rafinha and Andres Iniesta among those sidelined.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

"We would be fine without injuries, but there is no denying that these problems have weakened us. We are looking at the possibility of signing someone, but we must be very calm," Fernandez said.

As relayed by Radio Marca (h/t Goal.com) Barcelona have been heavily linked with the purchase of Celta Vigo striker Nolito in recent weeks, and the reigning Spanish champions would benefit from a new attacking option, having sold Pedro to Chelsea.

As reported by Spanish newspaper Sport (via Uche Amako of the Express) Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is also on the club's radar. 

With five goals to his name in the league already this season, it's easy to see why Nolito has become associated with one of the biggest clubs in the game, but Fernandez is keen to remain pragmatic, not getting drawn into any guarantees.

"The winter market is not easy. Nolito? He is a good player and he is showing it Sunday after Sunday," he added in the Radio Catalunya interview.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

It's not yet understood how the 28-year-old Nolito would fit into the Catalan club's plans if Neymar, Luis Suarez and Messi were all fit, but he would almost definitely be a tremendous option to be able to call from the bench.

Of course, another reason that all eyes are on the turn of the New Year is due to the status of Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal, who cannot play until January. Fernandez is still trying to legally clear the former to play, using a loophole related to Rafinha's injury.

"The idea that Arda can play now because of the Rafinha injury is difficult, it is a legal matter," said Fernandez. "We are all waiting for Arda and Aleix. I find it difficult to see them playing before January, but still do not have an answer. We are expecting that any moment."

Certainly, getting some reinforcements for a leaky back line would be a most welcome development for a team who have already leaked nine league goals, which is more than any other side in the top seven, something that Sport English's Daivd Boti has been quick to examine:

"Distracted defenders have also provoked Barca's awkward start to the season, and the lack of versatility in attack was also one of the reasons things went wrong [for Barca] at Balaidos and Sanchez Pizjuan," wrote Boti.

For now, Luis Enrique's men still have plenty of on-pitch battles to focus on once the international break comes to a conclusion, but it certainly remains important that they plan intelligently for what's to come in 2016.

After all, if they intend to maintain a firm grip on that special treble they won so convincingly last time around, they need greater squad depth. The likes of Nolito and Turan are never likely to be first choice, but their contributions can be vital all the same.