Barcelona are reportedly keen on Manchester United pair Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani as the January transfer window creeps closer. Both players have struggled for action this season, with injuries partly responsible. So Express Sport will now take a look at how the Catalan giants could line up with the duo in their ranks.
Barcelona are keen on January transfers for Man Utd duo Martial and Cavani (Image: GETTY)
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Barcelona have, at times, gone with a back three under Xavi.
Yet given they’ve been conceding goals with increasing regularity, it’s feasible the Spaniard will switch to a back four instead.
That would mean Serginho Dest and Jordi Alba being deployed in the full-back positions.
And Gerard Pique and Frenkie de Jong are potentially the club’s best centre-back pairing.
De Jong is a midfielder by trade but his best form for Barcelona has come when he’s deployed alongside Pique in the heart of their defence, something Ronald Koeman often used to do.
Barcelona may move Frenkie de Jong into a back four after Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial moves (Image: GETTY)
Attack: Fati, Cavani, Depay, Martial
What a front four this would be.
Barcelona are looking increasingly likely to sign Cavani on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with Manchester United rumoured to be open to a departure.
And Martial may join, too, with the France international scoring just one goal so far this season.
In a 4-2-4 system, Cavani could be partnered alongside Memphis Depay up top.
Then, in the wide positions, Ansu Fati and Martial can pose a threat.
Barcelona would have a formidable attack with Depay, Fati, Cavani and Martial (Image: GETTY)
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Rangnick’s issue with Martial
Speaking recently, Martial’s agent confirmed the United star was looking to leave Old Trafford behind in pursuit of regular action.
Yet Rangnick took issue with that decision and called on the player to talk to him about his future, rather than go through his agent.
"I don’t communicate with agents via the media and press," Rangnick said. "The player hasn’t spoken with me or us about it.
"After the final training session before the Crystal Palace game, after having trained with team, he informed the doctor and the medical department that he would not be available because the pain in his knee is too big. We have to wait and see.
"Maybe he can train again [on Sunday] but I have to speak to the doctor first. To be honest, what his agent says via the media is not of that much interest to me."