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5 players Barcelona could sign in January

By Harry De Cosemo

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Luis Enrique manager of Barcelona speaks during a FC Barcelona press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Luis Enrique manager of Barcelona speaks during a FC Barcelona press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /
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EIBAR, SPAIN – OCTOBER 30: Mario Gaspar of Villarreal CF reacts during the La Liga match between SD Eibar and Villarreal CF at Ipurua Municipal Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Eibar, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
EIBAR, SPAIN – OCTOBER 30: Mario Gaspar of Villarreal CF reacts during the La Liga match between SD Eibar and Villarreal CF at Ipurua Municipal Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Eibar, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /

2. Mario Gaspar

A more realistic option, at least in the short term, is Villarreal and Spain fullback Mario Gaspar. That is not to say he would be an easy sell for the Yellow Submarine, but he would certainly represent a more likely move than Bellerin.

At 25, Gaspar has become a full representative for his country relatively recently and is at a good age, showing a good mix of experience and room to develop, which is a must for any player who joins Barcelona.

He is one of the unsung heroes of an impressive Villarreal side, which has arguably punched above its weight in recent years, reaching the Champions League qualifiers at the start of this season after a fourth place finish just five years after relegation from the top division.

Typically, for any Spain fullback, Gaspar is impressive in attack, proven by a wonder goal on his full Spain debut against England in 2015, but he is also very competent defensively, which some people accused Alves of not being, even in hid heyday at the club.

Whilst this isn’t a move covered in star dust, often the best aren’t and Mario Gaspar would offer a lot to Luis Enrique, especially because he shows a lot of attributes the coach values most, including hard work and determination.

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