FC Barcelona Transfer Talk: 5 Players La Blaugrana May Target in January

With La Liga underway, Barcelona is looking to secure its fourth consecutive title and to improve its already potent roster.

With five games into the season, it is evident La Blaugrana are lacking on defense with the absence of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.

On offense, Guardiola is noticing age and is looking for long-term replacements when it comes to players such as David Villa.

Barcelona will be looking toward the January transfer window to address these issues and ensure their continued contention in both La Liga and Champions League.

5. David Luiz

Chelsea defender David Luiz is rumored to be on Pep Guardiola's radar, especially since the injuries to top Barcelona defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.

Barcelona's recent draws are evidence of a lack of depth in the back where Guardiola has been forced to use Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano. Barcelona is yet to lose, but clearly help is needed.

Luiz can provide a spark on defense and be a key alternative option to Puyol.

4. Gary Cahill

Barcelona is creating a lot of buzz by being linked to Bolton defender Gary Cahill. The young English international is rumored to be on Pep Guardiola's list as a long-term replacement for Carles Puyol.

The deal may be a shock and surprise to many, but it does make sense.

Puyol is aging and injured and is nearing the tail-end of his career. Cahill is a young, fresh talent whose contract expires this upcoming summer. An earlier move in January can work for both Barcelona and Cahill.

3. Paco Alcacer

Although not a transfer who would see first-team action, Valencia B team striker Paco Alcacer is a popular option to bring to Barcelona's B squad.

Alcacer impressed the world during his performance in the UEFA U17 European Championship on the Spanish squad. He was the the tournament's top scorer with six goals in five matches.

Barcelona B would benefit significantly with the addition of Alcacer as they struggle to score goals and remain in second division.

The young Spanish striker will also serve a long-term option for Barcelona and would be one of the top candidates for promotion to first team as well as the Spanish National team should he continue his stellar play.

Then there's always the chance Barcelona needs his services earlier than expected should the team run into issues at forward during the second half of the season.

2. Luis Suarez

Liverpool's Luis Suarez is on the radar of multiple clubs, especially Barcelona and Liga rival Real Madrid.

This signing is unlikely to happen as Liverpool is content with its star forward. However, Suarez has expressed desire to some day play for Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola sees Suarez as a potential long-term replacement for David Villa.Villa, who is soon to turn 30, has not been the same frequent goal scorer we have known him to be.

However unlikely the deal is, Barcelona is expected to offer big money for the Uruguayan striker.

1. Neymar

The rumor mill is crazy about Neymar, and Barcelona is certainly in the mix.

Most believe it is unlikely Neymar is going anywhere, anytime soon. Neymar himself is reportedly saying he insists on staying with Santos until the 2012 Summer Olympics.

No one can be certain where the Brazilian wants to go or when he wants to go, but Barcelona is definitely an option for the young forward.

Barcelona may offer Neymar a deal in January if they aren't able to land Luis Suarez.