Barcelona transfer news: Chelsea flops Morata and Giroud on five-man shortlist… along with West Ham ace Lucas Perez
The Catalan giants are all-but certain to sign a striker in January with a host of players being linked with moves to the Nou Camp
BARCELONA's desire to find an accomplice for Luis Suarez could see them raid the Premier League and beyond during the January transfer window.
The Catalan giants have allowed Munir El Haddadi to join Sevilla, leaving them with just one recognised No.9 for the rest of the campaign.
Ernesto Valverde's men are still fighting on three fronts this season and surely need additional attacking resources if they're to defend their La Liga title and make significant progress in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
SunSport look at the contenders to move to the Nou Camp this month.
Olivier Giroud
The France World Cup winner is likely to lose out amid the Chelsea striker reshuffle.
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Gonzalo Higuain's imminent arrival relegates him down the pecking order, despite the exit of Alvaro Morata.
Just 12 months on from arriving at Stamford Bridge, Barca's desire to add muscle to their attack has seen them target the 32-year-old.
But his effectiveness in the Europa League and Chelsea's progress in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup means there could still be opportunities for Giroud.
Fernando Llorente
Valverde is reportedly as huge admirer of the Spain international, who has become a virtual spectator at times for Tottenham.
However, the injury to Harry Kane which keeps him out for seven weeks could see his role upgraded.
Mauricio Pochettino has few other options and is unlikely to dip into the transfer market himself.
Furthermore, having played three times in the Champions League this season, Llorente is cup-tied for Europe's premier club competition.
Alvaro Morata
Reports suggest Morata fits the profile of forward Barcelona are seeking this month.
With previous La Liga experience and an ability to adapt to their style of play, the 26-year-old is viewed as the No.1 option.
Former club Atletico Madrid are also keen however and the allure of returning to the capital might be tough to compete with.
Morata has become surplus to requirements at Chelsea having not been named in a Premier League match day squad for five of the last seven games.
Lucas Perez
The 30-year-old is arguably the most surprising name to be linked with a move to Barcelona.
Perez has barely figured for West Ham this season, starting just three Premier League games.
His only strikes in the top flight came in the win over Cardiff City in December.
Though more diminutive than some of the other forwards linked with the club, his success in Spain with Deportivo La Coruna could be a factor.
Cristian Stuani
Away from the Premier League, Barcelona's pursuit of the Uruguay international might prove to be the most fruitful.
Stuani has 13 goals in Spain this season for Girona and is available for £13million.
Girona boss Eusebio Sacristán said "I can't say anything" when asked to comment on speculation talks have already begun over the deal
Though the Nou Camp club could yet hold off in an effort to retain their decent relationship with their Catalan neighbours.