Potential Barcelona transfer targets to replace injured Thomas Vermaelen include Atletico defender

Potential Barcelona transfer targets to replace injured Thomas Vermaelen include Atletico defender

The injury to Thomas Vermaelen, who will be out for around five months, means Barcelona will be able to sign a player for the Spanish league or one who is currently unattached.

They are banned by FIFA from signing anyone in the next two transfer windows, but may be allowed to pick up a free agent before then - the club will check with the football governing body.

Obviously at this point it is unrealistic that Barcelona could sign a top class player, but there are some options that might be interesting to add strength to the squad. 

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Allan Romeo Nyom: The French-Cameroonian centre/back of Granada, 26, is very powerful and can play both in the middle and out wide. His price would be less than €5million. 

Albert Lopo: An old acquaintance. The Deportivo centre-back brings force and a good passing game. His price would be small and not a problem. 

Coke: His sale from Sevilla would be complicated, but if the club makes an appropriate offer then he might be able to join (around €3m). Known for his performances in big games and his character. Can play at centre-back as well as full-back.

Jesus Gamez: Simeone doesn't use him a lot at Atletico Madrid. He moved there from Malaga this summer. Although it seems unlikely that the Argentine coach will let him go, he's not a key piece of the Rojiblanco puzzle. 

Diego Lugano: 34, and his experience is his greatest asset. Without a team, despite having played the World Cup in Brazil. At 1.88m, he would add good height to the Barca defence. 

Mikel San Jose: Ernesto Valverde has only used him in five league games to date for Athletic Club. The defender, 25, is not known for any great quality on the ball.

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These are just a few defenders of a medium to low profile who might be useful for Barcelona. Aymeric Laporte, Musacchio, Miranda and Co might logically be better options but it seems unlikely that their teams will let them go for now. However, expect Barcelona to investigate.