La Liga Transfers: What Real Madrid and Barcelona Need to Address in January

As the January transfer window looms, Barcelona and Real Madrid find themselves, as ever, at the top of the La Liga table. Their priorities heading into the January window, however, will be an indication of the team's recent performances, as well as the shortcomings in their squad.

Not only will the two kings of Spain use this as an opportunity to strengthen against one another, but there is proving be a very real threat coming from Valencia that may force either side's hand.

While it's very difficult to pick out weaknesses in either side and any real need for Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola to enter the transfer market, it becomes clear that there are positions in both squads that might need tweaking.

As of yet, there is little to say about two of the best attacking teams in world football; they both possess a wealth of Europe's elite talent, as well as the two best goal scorers of the past number of years.

The identity of both teams is also etched in contrasting styles of football, Barcelona being one who take the lion's share of possession and look for weaknesses and gaps in the opposition defence, while Real Madrid can lay claim to being the best counter-attacking side in the modern game.

But it's the defences of both sides which may need addressing. Yes, both sides are yet to reach double figures in the goals against column, but the lack of depth, specifically at centre-half, has been telling.

Sergio Ramos may be praised for his versatility and ability to perform at a remarkably high level at both centre-back and full-back, but too often has he had to slot inside from the wide position to fill a void.

Does this make Madrid weaker? Not necessarily, but why not improve the back-line if presented with the opportunity?

Raphael Varane may have been picked up by Jose Mourinho for his talent as a young central defender, but it's his age and lack of experience that raise questions as to whether he should partner Pepe in the heart of the defence.

Quite clearly, no team will be presenting their greatest assets to either of the giants of Spanish football midway through the season, but targeting the German Bundesliga would be a fruitful path to take.

Of course, the talent and ability of Borussia Dortmund's central pair is well documented; either one of Mats Hummels or Neven Subotic could perform admirably for Real Madrid, and for a number of years.

Similarly, Benedikt Howedes could prove to be a target following the Schalke captain's impressive showing so far this season.

At the same time, Barcelona could be looking at players similar in mold to the three mentioned above. Young, experienced and with the ability to form steady partnerships with Gerard Pique ahead of Victor Valdes.

Looking at the English Premier League and Gary Cahill's contract situation at Bolton, here is a player who is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and may represent the qualities both sides could be looking for in a centre-back. As an England international who may find himself part of the 23 headed to the Euros, a move to a high-profile club such as Madrid or Barcelona could work heavily in Cahill's favour.

If there is a similar weakness for Madrid, it is that of a lack of depth in the centre of midfield. Mourinho likes to operate with a central midfield two; Xabi Alonso being the ever-present. But against Valencia this past weekend, the Madrid manager opted for three holding midfielders; not so much as to repel the threat of Valencia's attack, but rather to win the ball high up the pitch and offer another option in the final third.

Sami Khedira found himself in a familiar role, attacking with the rest of the front-line and working his way on a number of occasions into the Valencia penalty box.

Despite Nuri Sahin finally making his first appearance following injury, they're certainly lacking a 'different' option from midfield.

Again, it's difficult to asses who are the players of high enough quality who'll be readily available in January. Bayer Leverkusen's Renato Augusto was said to be a transfer target of Arsenal late, late on in the summer window, and Ajax's Christian Eriksen could be another option, but may be too similar in style to the options already available at the Bernabeu.

Going into the final few weeks before the winter break and the opening of the transfer window, Real Madrid may find themselves with a little more confidence than their rivals, despite Barcelona's own good form and their four different goal scorers against Zaragoza on the weekend.

But Madrid boast a tally of four more goals so far this season to Barcelona's 38, and these small margins are what could be decisive in determining the champions after 38 games.

At the same time, whether or not Madrid and Barcelona take action in January, it could be those moves that heavily favour either side come the end of the season.