Barça eyeing January swoop for Juve's Rugani

According to reports in Spain, Daniele Rugani has been identified as a top January target for the La Liga title holders, by means of addressing their central defensive issues. The Italian international has featured in just three Serie A games this season, but is still highly thought of in Turin. 

The return of Leonardo Bonnuci to Juventus has seriously limited the player's senior minutes, as his compatriot is often preferred as a central partner to captain Giorgio Chiellini. Rugani, who has also been linked to a move to the Premier League with Chelsea, could potentially move to the Nou Camp on loan until the end of the season.

Any move would be mutually beneficial: the defender would get the game time he is craving, while Barcelona would be handed vital cover across their defensive ranks. The La Liga leaders are struggling to field a stable defensive lineup, with both Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen out until well into the new year.

So, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are the sole remaining centre halves at the side's disposal, and therefore the signing of another defender in January is imperative.

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