Barcelona plot January spending spree with Coutinho and Ozil in, while FOUR set to leave

BARCELONA are planning to freshen up their squad in January in a bid to continue their blistering pace in La Liga, according to reports.

The Catalan giants are currently nine points clear at the top of the table and 14 points above fourth-placed Real Madrid.

And with the winter break now underway, boss Ernesto Valverde has the time to step up the negotiations to bring in his January targets.

Barcelona are widely expected to reignite their interest in Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who they failed to land in the summer.

The Brazilian is also thought to be interest in a move to the Nou Camp.

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Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Mesut Ozil, of Arsenal, are targeted by Barcelona.

However, according to Spanish outlet Marca, that deal is on the rocks as things stand.

Instead, Valverde is expected to move for Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, who could be available on the cheap with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The report also states that Barca are targeting Nabil Fekir (Lyon), Max Meyer (Schalke), Leon Goretzka (Schalke) and Aleksandr Golovin (CSKA Moscow).

The extra strength in depth will be much needed if Barca are to reach the latter stages of the Champions League, while still competing for the league title.

Gremio’s Arthur and Antoine Griezmann, of Atletico Madrid, are being considered for a move next summer.

However, Barca are expected to lose up to four first team players.

Marca say that Javier Mascherano is set to leave for Chinese outfit Hebei China Fortune.

Valverde would then need to bring in additional cover at the back and Palmeiras star Yerry Mina is touted as a potential option.

Arda Turan, Aleix Vidal and Gerard Deulofeu are also expected to move elsewhere in search of regular game time.

Barcelona could have their new additions when they next return to action against Celta Vigo on Thursday, January 4 (6pm).