Countdown for two Barcelona signings: Morata and Tagliafico

Mateu Alemany new a busy transfer window was coming in January but until it arrives you don't realise the rollercoaster you are on.

Alemany has already done a lot of work this month but he still has more to be done in the final week of the window to satisfy coach Xavi Hernandez's demands.  

The Barça boss still feels his squad is short and the injury to Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele's decision to not sign a new contract has increased the drama in attack.

Therefore, with little faith in Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong long-term, Xavi has told the club to do all they can to sign Alvaro Morata.

Despite Allegri saying a deal would not happen earlier this month, Barça have not thrown in the towel. Morata fits the profile Xavi is looking for: quick, powerful, a good finisher and capable of linking play. A complete forward.

He wants to come, that's nothing new, but there are many hurdles to overcome. If Juve can complete a deal for Fiorentina's Dusan Vlahovic, and Barça can reduce their wage bill, a deal could be pulled off.

BALDE ON THE SCENE

With respect Barça's other priority, at left-back, the situation is promising. Talks continue between the club and Ajax for Nicolas Tagliafico. Ajax would prefer a permanent deal and have an offer from Marseille. Barça only want a loan but the player only wants to move to Camp Nou.

A loan with an option to buy could be the middle ground. Alejandro Balde's name has also come up in negotiations. The left-back, 18, is not in Xavi's immediate plans and could move to Ajax on loan as a replacement for Tagliafico.

Barça have a week to complete two operations to complete Xavi's squad until the summer.