Barcelona Target Premier League Defenders to Reinforce Fragile Defence

Barcelona have identified four possible central defenders who could fit into their team next season and it seems as though it could be a Premier League side losing one of their defensive lynchpins.

The Spanish champions have been frustrated in their attempts to sign a new defender as Thiago Silva has reiterated his desire to remain at Paris Saint-Germanin, while his compatriot Marquinhos seems likely to join him at the Parisian club.

With Chelsea also refusing to part with another Brazilian defender in David Luiz, Barcelona have found their options severely limited and have now turned their focus to the Premier League.

Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Barcelona's four main candidates are Liverpool's Daniel Agger, Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen, plus Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Jan Vertonghen.

Agger has long been linked with the Catalan club but last season rejected speculation about his future and signed a new deal with the club that runs until the summer of 2016.

Barcelona are said to want the Liverpool defender as they feel he has the ability to suit their style of play, whilst the fact he is left-footed means he would be the perfect foil for Gerard Pique.

However, Liverpool would certainly not want to lose their vastly experienced defender having already seen Jamie Carragher leave the club after announcing his retirement from the game.

Barcelona may also test Arsene Wenger's resolve as they seek to find out whether Arsenal would be prepared to part with either Veramelen or Koscielny.

Despite an inconsistent campaign from the Belgian defender Wenger has made it clear that Vermaelen will be the club captain next year.

However, it is Koscielny who is viewed as first choice alongside Per Mertesacker and Barcelona may feel as though they can convince Arsenal to part with Vermaelen if they make the right offer.

Sport also reports that Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova may attempt to persuade Tottenham to part with Vertonghen who, like Agger, is a tall, ball playing centre-back with a superb left-foot.

The Belgian enjoyed a superb debut campaign at White Hart Lane but reports suggest that Barcelona are hoping that their good relationship with Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas gives them a chance in completing a deal.

Tottenham do have a number of options in central defence with Steven Caulker, Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul all competing for a starting berth, but much would depend on what offer Barcelona made as Vertonghen demonstrated his qualities last season.

The Spanish giants have already flexed their financial muscles by signing Brazilian superstar Neymar but it is believed that they have the funds available to make another substantial offer for a central defender.