Barcelona Transfer News: Luis Suarez Cover Sought, Marcos Alonso Rumours Emerge

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is reportedly eyeing a cheap forward to provide cover for star striker Luis Suarez, and the Catalans are also planning a move for Fiorentina full-back Marcos Alonso, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

According to Jordi Gil of Sport, Enrique is not happy with the lack of a true striker to spell Suarez, and he has sent his scouts to look for affordable options. Given the club's ongoing financial issues, the Blaugrana can't invest too heavily in January, and additions to the squad would have to fit within the current wage structure.

Depth has been a concern for the defending La Liga champions, who were unable to register any players during the summer due to a transfer embargo and lost longtime contributor Pedro to Chelsea.

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Injuries to Lionel Messi and Rafinha forced Sandro Ramirez and Munir El Haddadi into action, and both youngsters struggled. The group of forwards will receive a boost by the arrival of Arda Turan, whose versatility means he could play up front if necessary, but the Turkish international doesn't have the profile of a true No. 9.

Per WhoScored.com, Suarez has played every single minute of La Liga and Champions League action for the club so far. An injury to the Uruguayan would be devastating for the Catalans, and he should have the opportunity to rest as the squad heads into the holiday season.

According to Gil, Juventus' Simone Zaza is an option. The 24-year-old moved to Turin during the summer but has seen limited action, with Mario Mandzukic, Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala sitting ahead of him in the pecking order.

Football Italia's Luca Persico likes what he brings to the pitch:

Zaza impressed during the 2014-15 season for Sassuolo and the Italian national team, and he has flashed his potential with Juventus as well. He moves well with and without the ball and displays a great blend of athleticism and raw power, as you can see in this video:

Napoli's Manolo Gabbiadini is also an option, although the former Sampdoria man hasn't been in great form this season. Both players are likely to be available on loan, which could be exactly what the Blaugrana are looking for, per Gil.

Meanwhile, Sport's Lluis Miguelsanz believes the club is also looking at Alonso, who has impressed for Fiorentina this season but is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract. Barcelona could approach the former Real Madrid man in January with a proposal for the summer if the situation doesn't change.

The 24-year-old is another versatile option who has already played at centre-back, left-back and in midfield. He's more of an attack-minded full-back who likes to roam forward and launch crosses, which would make him a solid fit for Barcelona's possession-based philosophy.

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Alonso's career has been defined by his inability to stick with a team so far. A youth product of Los Blancos, he was sold to Bolton Wanderers in 2010, moved to La Viola in 2013 and was immediately sent on loan to Sunderland. Now back with Fiorentina, he seems likely to be on the move again next summer.

Former club Real Madrid are also reportedly watching him, as they badly need some depth at the left-back position. Barcelona's need isn't as dire, although the addition of Alonso would allow the club to part with Adriano, per Miguelsanz.

As a free agent, Alonso would be an excellent value signing, although one has to wonder what his addition would mean for Alejandro Grimaldo. The youngster has been patiently waiting for his chance and continues to impress with Barcelona B, and a move to the senior squad seems to be the next logical step in the 20-year-old's direction.

Barcelona's academy is one of the most respected in the world, and Enrique has shown himself willing to give some of the youngsters a chance, with 23-year-old Sergi Roberto grasping his with both hands in 2015-16.

Grimaldo should be next in line, or the Catalans risk losing him to another club at some point in the near future.

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