BARCELONA TRANSFER NEWS: Luiz, Cole, And Martinez Linked To The Catalans

While Barcelona have a strong chance of repeating as Champions League title holders, their prospects of winning La Liga are looking increasing slim as Real Madrid have a comfortable lead in the standings.

Changes may be in store for Pep Guardiola's squad, as the club considers upgrading their defenders.

According to Daily Star, Chelsea defender Ashley Cole could land a big-money move to Barcelona in the offseason. The 31-year-old English defender is valued at roughly £12 million. Barcelona had reportedly shown interest in Cole in October.

Cole isn't the only Chelsea defender garnering looks from Barcelona. The Sun reported that Brazilian defender David Luiz is aware of Barcelona's interest in adding him. The 24-year-old is rated at about £15 million, and has also been linked to a move to Real Madrid and Juventus, in recent months.

While adding a defender might be a top priority for Barcelona, there appears to be thoughts of bolstering the midfield, as well. The Sun has linked Javi Martinez of Athletico Bilbao to the Catalans. It's possible that Barcelona could battle with three Premier League giants for the 23-year-old's services as Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool have shown interest.

Barcelona are an elite power with or without an additional defender or a midfielder, but Guardiola may have to contend with Real Madrid's spending even more this summer which would make things more difficult for the Catalans to capture La Liga in 2012-2013.

There could be players on the current roster who are moved, as well. Javier Mascherano, Cristian Tello, Seydou Keita have all been subject to transfer speculation in recent weeks.

Should Barcelona move any of those three players they would receive enough to perhaps bring along a major player like Arjen Robben, who could be interested in leaving Bayern Munich.

The other major name that could be available is Robin van Persie. The Dutch striker has yet to sign an extension with Arsenal, but it would be difficult for the Gunners to concede both Cesc Fabregas and Van Persie to Barcelona.

Though indications lean toward Van Persie staying in north London, or at least the Premier League, Barcelona may need another forward if David Villa is slow to recover from his injury. If that is the case, they might consider making a major effort to bring the scoring star to Camp Nou.